DJ David Mueller takes stand in court to deny assaulting Taylor Swift

A former radio DJ has insisted in court that he did
not grope Taylor Swift.
David Mueller has been accused of sexually
assaulting the superstar during a photo opportunity
before a concert in 2013.
The picture of Swift, Mueller and his then-girlfriend is
a key piece of evidence in the lawsuit - with lawyers
for the singer claiming it is "damning" proof that the
presenter had touched her backside.
Under questioning from his lawyer at the civil trial,
Mueller said he may have accidentally touched
Swift's ribs with a closed hand during an encounter
that lasted no more than 40 seconds.
Mueller explained that he and the singer-songwriter
were trying to reach around one another, and "our
hands touched and our arms touched".
David Mueller, sketched here during his court
appearance, says he lost his 'dream job'
The country and western DJ is suing Swift for at
least $3m (£2.3m) in order to clear his name and
recover lost earnings.
He was fired from his $150,000-a-year "dream job" at
country station KYGO-FM after Swift's team reported
the alleged assault to his boss.
Swift is counter-suing Mueller for a symbolic $1 (77p)
in compensation, and she says she wants to serve as
an example to other women who have been
assaulted.
Taylor Swift's mother, Andrea, cried as she listened
to opening statements in the Denver courtroom.
According to her lawyer, Swift is "absolutely certain"
she was sexually assaulted - and he asked why the
singer would ever make up such a claim.
Swift has said Mueller slipped his hand under her
dress and grabbed her bare bottom as they posed.
She was 23 at the time of the alleged assault.
Her lawyer also says Mr Mueller has changed his
account of the incident seven times, and destroyed
evidence relating to the assault.
Several teenagers began queuing before dawn in
order to gain access to the courtroom
Mueller's lawyer showed the eight jurors the
photograph which was taken at the time of the
alleged assault.
Everyone in the picture is smiling, and Mueller's right
hand is hidden behind Swift.
He said the photo shows his client's hand "is not
underneath Miss Swift's skirt, and her skirt is not
rumpled in any fashion."
The trial is expected to last for 10 days.
About 25 members of the public were in court to
witness the hearing - with three teenage girls
showing up at the courthouse before dawn to secure
a spot inside.
"It's better than a concert," a 17-year-old girl said

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