BACKING TAYLOR SWIFT
Support for singer in assault lawsuit
I read with great appreciation your editorial in support of Taylor Swift’s decision not to settle the lawsuit brought against her by a radio talk show host.
One of the things that struck me most as the newly elected district attorney for Denver is the number of sexual assault cases that we file. Granted, Ms. Swift did not report the incident to law enforcement, but her willingness to stand up to alleged sexual abuse is commendable and will hopefully encourage other women who have suffered unwanted sexual indignities to come forward.
As your editorial pointed out, it is embarrassing and difficult for victims of this type of behavior to report and go through the complicated criminal justice system. Some may say, what’s the big deal — a hand up the skirt? An unwanted hand up the skirt and a grab of the bottom is sexual assault and should be acknowledged as such whether you are an international superstar or any woman.
I urge all women to make criminal reports in these situations. Without courageous women reporting, these crimes will continue. Kudos to Taylor Swift for saying she won’t put up with this behavior and to The Denver Post for recognizing it.
Beth Mccann, Denver
The writer is district attorney of Denver.
Taylor Swift is so brave to confront her alleged assailant. It saddens me that anyone could sexually assault someone in the first place, but then have the complete audacity to compound the wrong they did to the victim by suing them.
It also disgusts me that so many make crude jokes about Swift’s ordeal. It is precisely this kind of mean-spirited attitude that makes judges and juries dismissive of victims’ testimony. It also discourages victims from even reporting the crime, knowing they could be blamed and ridiculed, rather than given the trust and support that they deserve.
I am a 54-year-old man, so I am not the typical “Swiftie,” but I am a huge fan, not just because of her amazing talent, but because of the wonderful and inspirational person that she is. She has helped me cope with mental illness, including PTSD, due to being molested as a child.
Brian Keith Hendrickson, Minneapolis
The Post editorial praising Taylor Swift’s stand regarding her ownership of her body reminds me of basic training in the Army.
While the drill instructors yelled and drove us without end, they also respected that part of us. When inspecting our uniforms while we stood at rigid attention in formation they would ask “May I touch you?” before straightening or rearranging. It was unthinkable that we would decline, of course, but it sent a clear message of deference and boundaries.
Regardless of the facts in the Swift case, the message to be learned is the same: respect.
Harry Puncec, Lakewood