1989

At the Reputation Stadium Tour, Swift speaks about the experience and “getting clean”.

At a 2013 meet-and-greet, Taylor Swift posed for a photo with DJ David “Jackson” Mueller and his then-girlfriend, Shannon Melcher, both employees of KYGO radio. Swift later alleged that during the photo, Mueller reached under her skirt and grabbed her. Once the pair left the room, she immediately told her mother, tour manager, the photographer, and her security team. She has said she felt unsure of how to respond in the moment, wanting to remain professional, a feeling many assault survivors recognize.

Swift’s security team didn’t hesitate. They confronted Mueller backstage, accused him of inappropriate contact, and he was escorted from the venue. KYGO launched its own investigation and subsequently fired Mueller.

Mueller then sued Swift for $3 million, claiming defamation and loss of income. Swift countersued for a symbolic $1, saying her aim was simply to stand up for herself and set an example. After a four-year legal battle, the jury ruled fully in her favor.

Swift’s testimony became widely praised as direct, grounded, and unwilling to let the defense twist the narrative. Her responses, including sharp retorts to invasive questioning, were seen as a moment of strength for survivors everywhere.

The impact of the case was immediate. RAINN reported a 35% increase in hotline calls following the verdict. Swift helped make clear that anyone can be targeted, assault takes many forms, there is no “right way” to react in the moment, and that survivors deserve to be heard and supported when they fight back.