Taylor Swift Asks Judge to Seal Photos, Other Docs in DJ Groping Lawsuit

Taylor Swift has filed a motion to restrict public access to some of the documents involved in her lawsuit with a DJ who allegedly groped her.

In September of 2015, former country radio DJ David Mueller filed a  lawsuit  that claims that he lost his job and prospective business opportunities because of allegations that he groped Swift during a 2013 meet and greet. In October of 2015, Swift filed a countersuit , which alleges that Mueller “intentionally reached under her skirt and groped with his hand an intimate part of her body in an inappropriate manner, against her will, and without her permission.” Now, the Denver Post reports that Swift is asking a Denver U.S. District Court judge to seal “hundreds of pages of court documents and exhibits” related to Mueller’s lawsuit and her countersuit; included in those pieces of information is a photo of the incident, as well as a description of the photograph, 12 pages of summary judgement and hundreds of supporting documents and photos.

“In addition to the likelihood of these documents swaying a jury, it is all but assured that the photograph will be shared for scandalous and prurient interests — reasons that have nothing to do with the public’s interest in the Court’s decision making,” the motion, which was filed on Friday (Oct. 14), reads. “The public dissemination of this evidence will likely have nothing to do with the public’s interest in the court’s decision-making process. Rather, it will be driven by the prurient interests related to the facts alleged in this case.”

The motion explains that because of Swift’s celebrity status, the release of the photo could affect jury selection, should the case go to trial. When she countersued, Swift was looking for a jury trial to settle the suits; her filing states that any money she wins will be donated to “charitable organizations dedicated to protecting women from similar acts of sexual assault and personal disregard.”

“The fact that Plaintiff is alleged to have assaulted Ms. Swift only raises the likelihood that evidence will be widely reported, discussed and spun in a way that will likely influence the jury pool,” the motion adds. “The interest in a fair and impartial trial outweigh any public interest in access to the documents identified above.”

Mueller has joined Swift’s request that the files be sealed as well.

“The sensitive nature of the materials for which the parties seek restricted access is further evidenced by the fact that the information was designated by the parties as ‘confidential’ under the governing protection order,” the motion continues. “Exhibit 14 is extremely personal and sensitive in nature and should not be shared with the public until absolutely necessary (at trial).”

In July, Judge William Martinez issued an order that places limitations on Swift’s deposition.

Source: theboot.com theboot.com

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