Taylor Swift’s claim that a DJ groped her bare rear end during a concert meet-and-greet “defies credibility,” the DJ’s legal team argued in court papers this week.
In a response to Swift’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit brought against the “Shake it Off” singer by DJ David Mueller, Mueller’s lawyers contend that Swift’s claim that he grabbed her “bare ass” is implausible, because so many people, including Mueller’s girlfriend, were present during the alleged incident.
“At all relevant times, the tent was occupied by Mr. Mueller, Ms. Swift, Shannon Melcher, Ms. Swift’s photographer, at least two of Ms. Swift’s assistants, and at least one of Ms. Swift’s professionally trained security guards. Contrary to Defendants’ representations, none of the witnesses reported seeing Mr. Mueller put his hand under Ms. Swift’s dress and/or grab her bare ass,” Mueller’s response reads.
“The contention that Mr. Mueller lifted up Ms. Swift’s skirt and grabbed her bare ass (while standing with his girlfriend, in front of Ms. Swift’s photographer and other staff, as well as Ms. Swift’s highly trained security personnel, during an employer sponsored, VIP, backstage meet-and-greet) defies credibility.”
Mueller also claims that photographic evidence supportsĀ that he did not inappropriately touch Swift.
“This is particularly true given that Ms. Swift’s skirt is in place and is not being lifted by Mr. Mueller’s hand in the alleged photograph of the incident, and given that Ms. Swift acknowledged in her deposition that Mr. Mueller is not touching her inappropriately in the photograph,” the court documents read.
Swift was sued by Mueller in September 2015. Mueller says he was fired after being accused of “grabbing Ms. Swift’s bottom” at a meet-and-greet at Denver’s Pepsi Center in June 2013. The radio personality, who goes by the professional name “Jackson,” has adamantly denied the accusation. Swift subsequently filed a countersuit against Mueller.
Mueller’s response this week went on to characterize the investigation into the alleged incident by his former employer, KYGO, as “a sham.”
Despite Mueller’s denials,Swift has maintained that he did in fact grope her, and last month won a bid to keep an “extremely personal and sensitive” photo from the encounter under seal, on the grounds that the photo would likely be disseminated to the publicĀ for “scandalous and prurient interests.”
In a deposition taken in July, Swift said that she became “shocked and withdrawn” after allegedly being groped by Mueller.
“As soon as he grabbed my ass, I became shocked and withdrawn and was barely able to say ‘Thanks for coming,’ which is what I say to everybody,” Swift testified.
“I was barely able to get the words out, and it was like somebody switched the lights off in my personality,” Swift continued.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
15 Highest Paid Music Stars of 2016, From The Weeknd to Taylor Swift (Photos)
Forbes' annual ranking of the top-paid entertainers includes some stand-out musicians. The totals are based on earnings from June 2015 to June 2016, with figures from Nielsen, Pollstar, Songkick, Box Office Mojo and other sources.
15. The Weeknd - $55 million
Can the Canadian-born singer still feel his face? He catapulted into arena tour status with his 2015 hit album "Beauty Behind the Madness."
Getty Images
15. U2 - $55 million
The Irish rockers may have lost some steam since their record-shattering 360 tour from 2009-2011, but they still can pack in fans.
Getty Images
13. Kenny Chesney - $56 million
The country star has become a fixture on the summer arena tour circuit, supplementing his income with endorsements for Corona beer, Costa sunglasses and his own brand of rum.
13. Justin Bieber - $56 million
The Biebs had a very good year, with a hit album, "Purpose," arena concerts, merchandise sales and a Calvin Klein modeling gig.
Getty Images
12. Paul McCartney - $56.5 million
The former Beatle continues to be a prolific touring artist, and he earns a fortune from music publishing rights.
Getty Images
11. Bruce Springsteen - $60.5 million
The Boss makes a mint touring with the E Street Band and plans a new solo album for late 2016.
10. Diddy - $62 million
Though he's planning a Bad Boy Reunion tour for the second half of 2016, the rapper makes the bulk of his money from his clothing line and a big-bucks deal with Diageo's Ciroc vodka.
9. Calvin Harris - $63 million
The Scotsman (and T. Swift ex) is the top-grossing deejay in the world, with the bulk of his revenue coming from high-paying Las Vegas gigs.
Getty Images
8. Rolling Stones - $66.5 million
The British rockers played only 27 gigs in the period Forbes studied -- but mostly to near sell-out crowds in humongous U.S. stadiums.
7. AC/DC - $67.5 million
The metal giants only seemed to boost the success of their concert tour when they replaced ailing lead singer Brian Johnson with Axl Rose.
Getty Images
6. Garth Brooks - $70 million
The 54-year-old country star is now on the second year of his comeback concert tour, with international dates planned well into 2017.
5. Rihanna - $75 million
Her album "Anti" was another No. 1 hit, and she boasts endorsement deals with Dior, Puma and Samsung.
4. Madonna - $76.5 million
The Material Girl's Rebel Heart tour grossed more than $170 million; she also has successful clothing and perfume lines.
3. Adele - $80.5 million
In addition to sell-out arena concert performances, the British singer sold a record 3 million-plus copies of her album "25" in its first week of release last November.
2. One Direction - $110 million
Despite the exit of Zayn Malik in March 2015, the now four-man British boy band benefited from its On the Road Again tour.
1. Taylor Swift - $170 million
Her North American tour last year smashed the record set by the Rolling Stones, plus she raked in additional cash by promoting products such as Apple, Diet Coke and Keds.
Getty Images
1 of 17
Forbes’ annual ranking of the top-earning entertainers includes some stand-out musicians
Forbes' annual ranking of the top-paid entertainers includes some stand-out musicians. The totals are based on earnings from June 2015 to June 2016, with figures from Nielsen, Pollstar, Songkick, Box Office Mojo and other sources.