Swift, foe sit in on jury selection

DENVER — With Taylor Swift looking on, potential jurors in her lawsuit against an ex-Denver radio host were asked Monday if they had ever been inappropriately touched or wrongly accused of groping someone — the issues at the center of the case.

A 15-page questionnaire released during jury selection in the dueling lawsuits also asked candidates if they had seen any pictures related to the case — a possible reference to a photo that shows DJ David Mueller with his right hand behind the pop superstar, just below her waist, before a 2013 concert in Denver.

The photo was obtained by TMZ then sealed by a judge earlier in the case.

Swift claims Mueller grabbed her on the buttock during a meet-and-greet photo session at the show. Her lawyers have called the photo “damning” proof that Mueller groped her.

Mueller, who also attended jury selection, denies the allegation and says the photo only shows him trying to jump into the frame. Swift and Mueller are both smiling in the picture.

In his lawsuit, Mueller claims he was fired from his job at a country music station after Taylor’s team wrongfully told his boss that Mueller had groped her. He is seeking at least $3 million in damages.

Swift’s countersuit against Mueller claims sexual assault, seeking a verdict that awards Swift $1 and holds Mueller responsible.

Potential jurors were asked whether they are fans of either Mueller or Swift, including if they had ever seen Swift in concert, downloaded or purchased her music or attended the 2013 concert.

One juror was dismissed over his answer to the question, “In a lawsuit between David Mueller and Taylor Swift would you have bias for or against either Taylor Swift or David Mueller?” The potential juror answered, “She seems petty and spiteful.”

Another was removed for purportedly pre-judging the case based on the photo at the center of the dispute.

Jury selection will resume Tuesday.