By Tom McGhee | Special to The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
A photographer who took pictures of , testified in U.S. District Court in Denver Thursday that she saw former radio host David Mueller grab the star’s bottom.
Swift joined Mueller and his then-girlfriend, Shannon Melcher, to have a photo taken at the prior to her Pepsi Center concert on June 2, 2013.
Melcher was on Swift’s right. Mueller stood to her left.
“I saw her fall into the female, and she had a shocked look,” event photographer Stephanie Simbeck said, “and I saw his hand grab her ass.”
Gabe McFarland, the former KYGO radio hostap lawyer, asked if the hand was inside or outside the skirt Swift was wearing.
Simbeck said she didn’t know. But she was certain that from her position about 5-feet from the group, that Mueller had inappropriately grabbed her.
“Did you see Mr. Mueller’s hand, the flesh, the skin on his hand, make contact with Ms. Swiftap rear end,” McFarland asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostEddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostEddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostEddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostEddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostBrooke Jonson waits in line to get a courtroom seat to view the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court, at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostFans start to head into the courthouse after waiting in line to get courtroom seats to view the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court, at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostWorkers in a office building across from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse put up a sign in support of pop singer Taylor Swift on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver. to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the singer, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressDouglas Baldridge, attorney for pop singer Taylor Swift, leads his team into the morning session of the the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the singer in a case in federal court Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressTree Paine, right, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, leads the singer's bother, Austin, into the federal courthouse for the morning session of the the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the singer in a case in federal court Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressTree Paine, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, arrives for the morning session of the the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the singer in a case in federal court Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressAustin Swift, front center, brother of of pop singer Taylor Swift, walks with his sister's publicist, Tree Paine, across a street to attend the morning session of the the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the singer in a case in federal court Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressAnthony Reyther of Denver waits with about 20 other members of the public to attend the morning session of the the fourth day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
Jeff Kandyba via APIn this courtroom sketch, pop singer Taylor Swift speaks from the witness stand during a trial Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Swift testified Thursday that David Mueller, a former radio DJ, reached under her skirt and intentionally grabbed her backside during a meet-and-a-greet photo session before a 2013 concert in Denver.
Jeff Kandyba via APIn this courtroom sketch, defendant David Mueller, a former radio DJ, left, sits with his attorney during a trial Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Denver. Taylor Swift testified Thursday that Mueller reached under her skirt and intentionally grabbed her backside during a meet-and-a-greet photo session before a 2013 concert in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostA member of the media naps, during the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, outside Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostThe public standing area is empty, during the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, outside Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressMembers of the public enter the federal courthouse to sit in the courtroom for the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressA court officer directs members of the public into the federal courthouse to view the afternoon session of the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTaking a line from one of her songs, workers put up a sign in support of pop singer Taylor Swift in the window of an office building across the street from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver. the federal courthouse Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver. It is the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostPaparazzi tries to take photos of Taylor Swift on the 8th flood of the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressJohnny Hultzapple, front, of Denver, waits in a public line to view the afternoon session of the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTaylor Swift fans Johnny Hultzapple, 16, left and Laura Brandon, 17, stand outside the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTaylor Swift fan Laura Brandon, 17, stand outside the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during the third day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 9, 2017 in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressHannah Gu, left, and Shantel Bartolme, both of Denver, emerge from the federal courthouse after attending the morning session of the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressLawyers for pop singer Taylor Swift head into the federal courthouse for the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped the pop singer in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller, sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressSurrounded by a phalanx of guards, Tree Paine, right, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, returns to a hotel after the second day of a civil trial to determine whether a Denver radio host groped the pop singer in a case in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressLauren Simpson, center, jokes with her husband, Ian, both of Provo, Ut., as they stand at the front of the line for public access to the courtroom for the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressArthur Lewis, center, of Denver, talks to television reporter as Lewis waits in a public line to view the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver. Former DJ David Mueller sued Swift after she said he touched her backside before a concert in Denver in 2013. He's seeking at least $3 million. Swift countersued for sexual assault and is seeking $1.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressTree Paine, publicist for pop singer Taylor Swift, heads back to a hotel after the second day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer in a case in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressDani Kuta, a 17-year-old from Denver, smiles as she heads back to wait in a public line to view the afternoon session of the third day of a civil trial to determine whether a radio host groped pop singer Taylor Swift in a case in federal court Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Denver.
Jeff Kandyba via APIn this sketch by courtroom artist Jeff Kandyba, pop singer Taylor Swift, left, and a defense attorney look on as former radio host David Mueller, background right, speaks during a civil trial in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver. Swift alleges that Mueller touched her during a concert meet-and-greet in 2013. The case went to court after Mueller sued Swift, claiming her false accusation cost him his job. He is seeking at least $3 million in damages. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.
In this courtroom sketch, pop singer Taylor Swift, left, appears with her lawyer and mother in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver. Swift alleges that radio host David Mueller touched her during a concert meet-and-greet in 2013. The case went to court after Mueller sued Swift, claiming her false accusation cost him his job. He is seeking at least $3 million in damages. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.
Jeff Kandyba via APIn this courtroom sketch, pop singer Taylor Swift, front left, confers with her attorney as David Mueller, back left, and the judge look on during a civil trial in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver. Mueller, a former radio disc jockey accused of groping Swift before a concert testified Tuesday that he may have touched the pop superstar's ribs with a closed hand as he tried to jump into a photo with her but insisted he did not touch her backside as she claims.
Jeff Kandyba, The Associated PressIn this sketch provided by courtroom artist Jeff Kandyba, former radio host David Mueller appears in federal court Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Denver. Pop singer Taylor Swift alleges that Mueller touched her during a concert meet-and-greet in 2013. The case went to court after Mueller sued Swift, claiming her false accusation cost him his job. He is seeking at least $3 million in damages. Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostCourtroom artist Jeff Kandyba holds his drawing up for media outside the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver. It is the second day in the trail of Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostEddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostMedia takes images of drawing from courtroom artist Jeff Kandyba outside the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver. It is the second day in the trail of Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostFans line up to go inside the courtroom at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver. It is the second day in the trail of Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostA federal police officer takes a photo of a sign, where people wrote 'Free Tay!' with sticky notes, in an office window across the street from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver. It is the second day in the trail of Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
Tree Paine, Taylor Swift's publicist second from the left, walks with associates from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse after the second day of the Taylor Swift David Mueller trial on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTaylor Swift's lead attorney Douglas Baldridge, center, walks with associates from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse after the second day of the Taylor Swift David Mueller trial on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostPeople wrote 'Free Tay!' with sticky notes in an office window across the street from the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 8, 2017 in Denver. Jury selection continues, during the second day, in the trail of Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostA man takes a photo of the sign outside Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 7, 2017 in Denver. Jury selection began in the trial Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostFederal police wait outside the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse as media stands under tents on Aug. 7, 2017 in Denver. Jury selection began in the trail Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTaylor Swift's publicist Tree Paine, center, walks into the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 7, 2017 in Denver. Jury selection began in the trial of Taylor Swift against Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostTree Paine, Taylor Swift's publicist center, walks into Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse on Aug. 7, 2017 in Denver. Jury selection began in the trail Taylor Swift against a Colorado radio personality, David Mueller, over allegations the former disc jockey fondled her four years ago.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver PostA sign directs people who want to attend the civil trial of Taylor Swift and David Mueller at the U.S. District Court in Denver on Aug. 7, 2017.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 during her Red Tour stop in Denver at Pepsi Center.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 during her Red Tour stop in Denver at Pepsi Center.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 during her Red Tour stop in Denver at Pepsi Center.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift plays the Pepsi Center in September.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 during her Red Tour stop in Denver at Pepsi Center.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 during her Red Tour stop in Denver at Pepsi Center.
John Leyba, The Denver PostTaylor Swift performs to a sold out crowd June 2, 2013 at Denver's Pepsi Center.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
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Eddie Haskell speaks to the media after he testified at Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse, during forth day of the Taylor Swift and David Mueller trial, on Aug. 10, 2017 in Denver.
ExpandSimbeck said she has taken about 20,000 photos at the meet-and-greets with Swift and had never before seen anything like Mueller’s interaction with the singer that night.
Simbeck said she knew exactly what was happening as it transpired, and she shared Swiftap shock.
Swift returned to greeting fans after Mueller and Melcher left the area called the “photo booth,” without signaling to others in the room — including her bodyguard and other members of her staff — what had happened.
McFarland asked Simbeck why Swift didn’t remark on what had happened.
There were , Simbeck replied.
When all of the fans had gone, Swift told Simbeck and others in the room, “Dude, that guy grabbed my ass.”
“I said, ‘I knew it, I have the photograph,’” Simbeck said.
She scrolled through the photos on her digital Canon camera, to the shot of Swift with Mueller, and Taylor said, “thatap him.”
Simbeck was a witness called during the fourth day of the civil court trial between Swift and Mueller. Testimony continues on Friday.
