Nearly four years after allegedly being groped backstage during a photo op at a concert in Denver, Taylor Swift's civil case against former Colorado radio host, David Mueller, is set to begin trial.

The incident, in which Swift claims Mueller put his hand up her dress and grabbed her, led to his firing by the radio station which employed him at the time. After losing his job, Mueller brought suit against Swift for $3 million in damages, alleging he had been falsely accused. Swift then countersued, claiming sexual assault.

While celebrities often opt to address such situations outside of the courts, Swift's decision to commence legal action and personally testify against Mueller sends a message.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Partner Michael Niborski, a member of Pryor Cashman's Media + Entertainment Group who specializes in defamation, privacy and right of publicity disputes explained, with a lot at stake, "Swift is particularly well-suited to represent women's rights, female empowerment and not taking this kind of behavior."

In her lawsuit, Swift seeks an award of $1, holding Mueller responsible for the alleged groping and "serving as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts."

For his part, Mueller has asserted that no inappropriate touching took place.

Trial is expected to begin on August 7, 2017 before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.  

To read the full AP article, click here.

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