Taylor Swift described feeling “violated in a way I had never experienced before” after an alleged sexual assault, according to a newly-released deposition transcript.
The deposition in question was given in relation to the assault allegedly perpetrated on Swift in 2013 by former radio DJ David Mueller at a meet-and-greet event.
Mueller filed a lawsuit against Swift late last year, claiming her allegations were slanderous and that he’d been fired because of them. In his suit, Mueller doesn’t deny Swift was grabbed, but that it was his boss who did it.
Swift didn’t accept that explanation and countersued Mueller for assault and battery. The newly-released deposition transcript from that suit outlines her claim against Mueller.
“Right as the moment came for us to pose for the photo, he took his hand and put it up my dress and grabbed onto my ass cheek and no matter how much I scooted over it was still there,” Swift says.
“It was completely intentional, I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”
FWIW, the photo in question was kept from the public eye after Swift’s lawyers successfully argued it’d “be shared for scandalous and prurient interests.”
Swift also described her feelings after the alleged incident, saying she remembers “being frantic, distressed, feeling violated in a way I had never experienced before.
“A meet-and-greet is supposed to be a situation where you’re thanking people for coming, you’re supposed to be welcoming people into your home, which is the arena for that day, and for someone to violate that hospitality in that way, I was completely stunned.”
Swift’s deposition was filed with the intention of winning the case before it goes to court, but if the case does go that far – and if Swift is awarded financial damages – she’s pledged to donate those funds to charities assisting women who’ve survived sexual assault.
Sexual harassment or violence is not acceptable. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can talk to the friendly people at 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 – it’s never your fault, and there are safe ways to speak out or talk to someone.
