“I hope that Taylor’s very public experience… offers them solidarity”
After an emotional week-long trial ended on August 14 with the jury finding former radio DJ, David Mueller guilty of groping Taylor Swift, the pop superstar has turned her courtroom victory into an even more honourable win by making an incredibly generous donation to actress Mariska Hargitay’s national Joyful Heart Foundation for survivors of sexual assault.
“Joyful Heart is honoured to be recognised by Taylor Swift for our work on behalf of and in service to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse,” the foundation’s statement reads.
“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,” Mariska Hargitay, the organisation’s founder and long-time friend of Swift, said in a public statement. “I’m honored by her dedication and commitment to these issues, and I’m deeply grateful for her support of the Joyful Heart Foundation.”
And while the 27-year-old’s donated amount has not been disclosed, Maile M. Zambuto, Joyful Heart’s CEO, told the Huffington Post that Taylor’s donation was “very generous.”
Even though Swift won the case against Mueller, by her own decision she only took away a symbolic US$1 – opposed to the US$3 million the former radio DJ was seeking for his ruined career. It was a choice she made out of respect for other victims of sexual assault.
“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,” Taylor Swift said. “My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organisations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.”
