#StayStrongTaylor: Twitter Nation Backs Taylor Swift in Groping Trial

Jury selection for the Taylor Swift-DJ David Mueller trial is continuing in Denver at this writing, with national and international media operations closely monitoring developments in a story that involves dueling accounts about alleged bottom-touching prior to a June 2013 Pepsi Center concert. But this activity seems positively sluggish in comparison to the explosion of activity on Twitter, where Swift supporters are rallying under the hashtag #StayStrongTaylor.

By Michael Roberts

August 8, 2017

Taylor Swift, as seen in one of the many GIFs shared under the #StayStrongTaylor hashtag. @karolsevillapl

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Jury selection for the Taylor Swift-DJ David Mueller trial got under way August 7 in U.S. District Court in Denver and is continuing today, with national and international media operations closely monitoring developments in a story that involves dueling accounts of alleged bottom-touching prior to a June 2013 Pepsi Center concert. But this activity seems positively sluggish in comparison to the explosion of activity on Twitter, where Swift supporters are rallying under the hashtag #StayStrongTaylor.

Right now, multiple tweets backing Swift are popping up every minute from the United States and plenty of foreign countries. For example, the pro-Taylor contingent in Poland seems particularly strong and vocal. Some of the messages are confined to text and emojis, but others boast single images, collages or GIFs of Swift, supplemented with praise for her very public stand, as well as her promise to donate any money she might receive as a result of the proceedings to organizations that fight sexual assault.

As you can see from the collection of recent missives below, Mueller is the equivalent of He Who Cannot Be Named in these tweets. Meanwhile, Swift is being backed by fans of every stripe. One tweet comes from a group devoted to Harry Styles, the former One Direction member who was once romantically involved with the singer.

Here's a #StayStrongTaylor sampling, starting with a T.S. ribbon that's currently ubiquitous among Swift's backers.

#StayStrongTaylor justice will be served
Sending love and hugs @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/wtVq5eXZEl
— Sreeparna G #SHQUAD (@Biggest_Filaner) August 8, 2017

@cherlenerose
to all those fuckers who dares to try and put the blame on taylor: #StayStrongTaylor

ayo @chagsub
i was a swiftie since 2012 so this really breaks my heart...i really hope she's doing good now and that ass goes to jail #StayStrongTaylor

Brewgan @Brewgan
I'm not a pop music fan, but I am entirely sick of women being punished for refusing to be groped. BELIEVE WOMEN! #StayStrongTaylor

hood girl @Alba_Sunshiner
We'll always be here for you. You'll get through this, you're strong, we love you @taylorswift13 #StayStrongTaylor

@taylorswift13 I wish I could give you a hug that lasts forever & tell you how brave & strong you are today & EVERYDAY! #staystrongtaylor pic.twitter.com/BNGfwZahHx
— Melissa s TS & KB (@Melissamy108) August 8, 2017

TaylorSwiftOwnsMyAss @tayswifteen_
but you had to know,that it was who felt nothing but happiness,pride and love at that moment. #staystrongtaylor #staystrongtaylorswift

sophy @lmaosophy
#StayStrongTaylor nobody deserves to be sexually assauted !
#WeLoveYouTaylor <3

Whitney @WhitTay13
@taylorswift13 Thinking about you today and sending extra love and support. Proud of you babe! #IStandWithTaylor #StayStrongTaylor

Ramya varshini @03_ramya
@taylorswift13 u were there for us before ! We are there for u now!!And we will be there for u always!! Love u Tay !! #staystrongtaylor

but you had to know,that it was who felt nothing but happiness,pride and love at that moment. #staystrongtaylor #staystrongtaylorswift pic.twitter.com/Q97zDGodRm
— TaylorSwiftOwnsMyAss (@tayswifteen_) August 8, 2017

Back To You? @hejka_styles69

DARLING, JUST HOLD ON! @taylorswift13 #StayStrongTaylor

djooo @horandefensivo
it is a big deal #StayStrongTaylor

Greg Llaneta @gregllaneta
Sending my love and support to @taylorswift13 for the trial she's going through. I got your back forever and always! #StayStrongTaylor

Cass,, @legitimatelycth
#StayStrongTaylor I'm not apart of her fandom nor am I a fan, but sexual assault is a serious matter and nobody deserves to go thru it.

Directioners are here to support Taylor Swift. No woman should be treated like this and needs to stop. #StayStrongTaylor pic.twitter.com/xrYLbE1Otg
— Harry Styles (@ltsHarry_Styles) August 7, 2017

em loves harry @ThisLove4Tay_
Replying to @TSNewsPA
She is so generous and kind and she fills my life with happiness and positivity. #StayStrongTaylor

@trisbangbws
we can get through this #StayStrongTaylor

seven @sevenlittle0712
#taylorswifttrial She is not only fighting for herself,but for all women.#StayStrongTaylor #WeLoveYouTaylor

Juxtjn lam @Juxtjnlam
Respect this woman #StayStrongTaylor

julie loves taylor @taylorswift13
you'll never know how much i love you but you mean everything to me #StayStrongTaylor

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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