On Monday, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was awarded a symbolic $1 after winning a lawsuit against David Mueller, whom she alleges grabbed her buttocks during a meet-and-greet. Shortly after winning her case, the songstress made a “generous investment” to the Joyful Heart Foundation—a sexual assault victims’ charity run founded by Law and Order: SVU actress Mariska Hargitay.
“@taylorswift13’s courage & generous investment in our work sends a powerful message to survivors: you are not alone,” Hargitay tweeted on Wednesday.
Hargitay did not disclose the exact amount that Swift donated. However, Maile M. Zambuto, CEO of the Joyful Heart Foundation, confirmed that Swift’s donation was indeed copious. Zambuto told the Huffington Post that Swift’s donation was a “generous financial investment in the movement to end sexual violence.”
Swift’s win in court is being hailed not only as a victory for herself, but a victory for survivors of sexual assault everywhere. The 27-year-old said that she hopes to inspire other victims to speak out and fight back.
“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,” Swift said in a statement. “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.”
Meanwhile, David Mueller (the man accused of assaulting Swift) still denies any wrongdoing.
“I never grabbed her. I never had my hand under her skirt and I can pass a polygraph,” Mueller told ABC News after losing his case.
Mueller, a former radio DJ, complained to TMZ that he hasn’t been able to find work ever since the story broke. He even said that he might have to get plastic surgery and change his identity in order to find employment.