Taylor Swift ain’t short of money or media attention, so go ahead and rule out either of those as a reason for her current civil trial against former DJ David Mueller.

Yesterday saw the trial kick off in Denver, and the 55-year-old Mueller took to the stand to defend himself.

He was repeatedly asked why his right hand was behind Swift during a pre-concert photo op. His account and Swift’s account differ vastly, with this via the Guardian:

Mueller says his hand was touching Swift’s skirt after he put his arm around her and their arms got crossed. He said his hand was at rib-cage level and “apparently it went down”.

According to the Grammy-winning artist, Mueller slipped his hand under her dress and grabbed her bare buttocks as the two posed, along with Mueller’s girlfriend, during the picture-taking session before a concert in Denver in 2013.

“It was not an accident, it was completely intentional, and I have never been so sure of anything in my life,” Swift, 27, said in a deposition. She is expected to take the witness stand later in the trial.

Here’s the photo that is at the centre of it all:

Where’s that right hand going, pal? Let’s get in closer:

After Swift reported the alleged groping to her security, Mueller was banned from her future concerts and eventually lost his job at Denver radio station KYGO-FM. He then chose to sue Swift, seeking up to $3 million in damages.

Probably not the best idea because Swift countersued, alleging the sexual assault.

An eight-member US district court jury will rule on both cases in the same trial, with Swift expected to take to the stand later in the trial.

[source:guardian]