Taylor Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift, reportedly broke down in tears during opening statements of the singer’s groping trial on Tuesday.
According to a new report, the 27-year-old wore a black dress with her hair pulled back into a bun and passed notes back and forth to her lawyers and her mom throughout the court appearance.
“At one point, Andrea, who sat next to her daughter, broke down in tears during opening statements, as Swift’s attorney described how Andrea always tries to protect her daughter,” Entertainment Tonight reported to readers on August 8.
As the outlet pointed out, Andrea was present during the 2013 meet-and-greet where the alleged assault happened and is listed in DJ David Mueller’s lawsuit against her daughter.
Taylor Swift’s photo with DJ David Mueller was presented as evidence
During this morning’s statements, a photo taken at the time of the alleged groping was presented to the court and in the photo, which was initially shared by TMZ, Swift was seen posing between Mueller and his former girlfriend. Meanwhile, Mueller’s arm could be seen behind Swift, although it was unclear exactly where his hand was positioned.
According to another report shared by the BBC, Swift’s attorney, Douglas Baldridge, said Mueller had grabbed Swift’s backside and pointed out that the reported touching was not inappropriate touching, but assault. He then said that the former Denver DJ was trying to capitalize on Swift’s fame.
“His motivation is money, calling attention to himself, and getting revenge on his boss,” Baldridge alleged.
Does the photo in question prove DJ David Mueller’s innocence?
According to Mueller’s lawyer, David McFarland, the image shown of Swift and his client clearly shows that his hand “is not underneath Miss Swift’s skirt, and her skirt is not rumpled in any fashion.”
“Falsely accusing someone of inappropriate touching is equally offensive, equally wrong and should not be tolerated,” McFarland noted.
The trial is expected to conclude by August 17.