Swift justice

A celebrity’s victory over a groper speaks loudly

Taylor Swift received a symbolic $1 for winning her sexual assault lawsuit against a radio disc jockey. But the result of her four-year battle for accountability is worth much more for women who have felt powerless in similar situations.

In 2013, Ms. Swift said she was groped by David Mueller during a meet-and-greet in Denver. After reporting the incident to Mr. Mueller’s employer, KYGO-FM, the on-air personality was fired. Mr. Mueller later sued Ms. Swift, saying that her false accusation led to him losing his job. Ms. Swift countersued, accusing Mr. Mueller of assault and battery. Mr. Mueller’s suit was thrown out, and a jury decided that the DJ had indeed grabbed Ms. Swift’s bottom while having a picture taken with her.

“I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society, and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this,” Ms. Swift said in a statement after the verdict. “My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.”

Ms. Swift has earned enough riches in her career that future generations of her family will be able to live comfortably, even without working. She does not need money, and she did not pursue this case for a big settlement. She wanted to make a statement that a woman should not be objectified, groped, harassed or violated in some other way without some type of consequence.

At times, our society has a perverse way of stigmatizing sexual assault victims and shaming them into silence. Ms. Swift gave them a powerful voice. At one point during the trial, Ms. Swift reprimanded Mr. Mueller’s attorney, Gabriel McFarland, for blaming her for his client’s firing: “I’m being blamed for the unfortunate events of his life that are a product of his decisions, not mine,” Ms. Swift said. “I am not going to allow your client to make me feel like this is my fault, because it isn’t.”

Taylor Swift is one of the most powerful celebrities in the world. It is commendable that she used her stature to make a stand for victims of sexual assault. Ms. Swift showed them that they do not have to be silent.