The 'Blank Space' singer makes a 'generous' donation to her friend's organization after she won against former radio DJ in groping trial.
- Aug 18, 2017
AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift is following through on her promise. She vowed to help sexual assault survivors following her victory in groping trial against former radio DJ David Mueller, and now she announces a donation to an organization that aids the victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
The "Fearless" singer chose her friend Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation as her first donation. It's unclear how much money the 27-year-old pop star has given to the organization but the CEO, Maile M. Zambuto, said it's "extremely generous financial investment in the movement to end sexual violence."
"Taylor is aware of the Joyful Heart Foundation and follows our work," Zambuto told the Huffington Post. "Her team got in touch with me and we talked a lot about her commitment, all along throughout this ordeal, to wanting to be of service to survivors."
The CEO also applauded the star for taking a stand against her groper, "I think it was really important to see someone like Taylor to stand up to her abuser so publicly because there's so much secrecy and shame associated with sexual assault. Taylor had a choice to do this quietly - to risk less - and instead, she took this path as a survivor and as a symbol of strength and a source for so many survivors who feel really alone."
Hargitay agreed, "I hope that Taylor's very public experience - and her decision to speak out - not only helps empower other victims to speak up and take action, but offers them solidarity." The "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" actress added, "I'm honored by her dedication and commitment to these issues, and I'm deeply grateful for her support of the Joyful Heart Foundation."
Taylor Swift only sought $1 in her countersuit against David Mueller. "That single dollar is of immeasurable value in the scheme of things," her lawyer said during the trial. "It says no means no for all women." She was originally sued by Mueller for defamation. He denied inappropriately touching her and blamed her for getting him fired from his job.
After she won, she issued a statement, "I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this. My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves."
