If you check the news on a daily basis, or even just once in awhile, you should know about the recent events circulating around Taylor Swift and her ongoing court battle with a radio DJ that allegedly groped her.
If you have not heard about it, here is a brief recap. In 2015, David Mueller sued Taylor Swift for making false accusations about groping her inappropriately during a meet-and-greet in 2013 that resulted in his termination from his job. Swift counter sued one month later. Mueller is seeking three million dollars in damage such as defamation, while Taylor Swift is counter suing for one dollar.
Some people may ask, "Why is she doing this if she is not getting anything out of it?" Swift responded with this statement. She is doing this "as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts" (Rolling Stone). Swift also said that any money won will be given to charities that protect women from similar acts of sexual assault and personal violation.
I have never been that big of a fan of Taylor Swift. I never cared for her music, and I rarely keep up with anything that she does. However, when I heard about this case, she had my instant support. Nobody deserves this kind of treatment in the workplace. Ever.
I also admire Taylor Swift for her actions on pursuing this in court. She is setting an example for women everywhere that you do not have to stand by, but that you can fight back against personal violation. Seeing a huge celebrity such as Swift fight back against something of this nature is a huge wake up call for our society, that something like this can happen to anybody. Sexual harassment and assault are two of the least reported crimes. Perhaps, this case will inspire other women to fight for their rights to be treated as equals in the workplace. That if you are a victim of sexual assault or harassment, that you do not have to stay silent.
There is still so much work to be done in our society and culture when it comes to sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. We live in a society that reinforces victim blaming tendencies, and allows women to live in fear or shame that it is their fault that something unspeakable has happened to them.
Taylor Swift's trial will not solve these issues that are deeply rooted in our society, but perhaps her trial will open the doors for much needed conversations to take place in the public sphere.
I stand with Taylor Swift, and as a woman and human being, I give my heart and well wishes to her in this emotionally stressful time.
