The Latest: DJ in groping case says Swift photo is 'awkward'


              In 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. (Jeff Kandyba via AP)
In 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. (Jeff Kandyba via AP)

DENVER (AP) - The Latest on a civil trial involving Taylor Swift and a former DJ she accused of groping her (all times local):

11:45 a.m.

Former disc jockey David Mueller has acknowledged that a photo of him with his hand behind Taylor Swift is "weird and awkward." But he insists he was touching Swift in her ribs, not her rear, as she alleges in the groping case.

During testimony Wednesday at the civil trial, Swift attorney Douglas Baldridge repeatedly asked Mueller why his right hand is behind Swift in a pre-concert photo op.

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."

Baldridge showed the jury several photographs of fans meeting with Swift before the 2013 concert in Denver, pointing out another man who had his arm around Taylor's shoulder.

Mueller claims in his lawsuit that he is being falsely accused by Swift and he was fired over her allegation.

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10:50 a.m.

A former disc jockey accused of groping Taylor Swift has taken the stand again in Denver federal court as testimony resumes in his legal battle with the singer-songwriter.

Wednesday's court proceedings were delayed by a closed evidentiary hearing that lasted nearly two hours.

David Mueller is a former radio show host. He started testifying Tuesday and was being questioned Wednesday by Swift's attorney Douglas Baldridge about his claim that Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 concert.

Mueller was fired by his employer, country music station KYGO, and he's seeking up to $3 million in damages.

Swift countersued, claiming Mueller sexually assaulted her.

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9:30 a.m.

Testimony in Taylor Swift's lawsuit trial accusing a former Denver DJ of groping her has been delayed while the judge holds a closed hearing to discuss evidence.

U.S. District Judge William Martinez ordered jurors, spectators and the news media to leave his courtroom Wednesday so Swift's attorneys and lawyers for plaintiff David Mueller could discuss undisclosed evidentiary matters.

Mueller is a former radio show host.

He was scheduled to resume testimony Wednesday after being grilled by Swift attorney Douglas Baldridge Tuesday about his claim that Swift falsely accused him of groping her before a 2013 concert.

He noted that Mueller has said he lost an audio recording of a meeting he had with his bosses at country music station KYGO before they fired him.

Mueller is seeking up to $3 million in damages.

Swift countersued, claiming he sexually assaulted her.

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2:25 a.m.

Taylor Swift's attorneys say they aren't trying to bankrupt a former Colorado DJ accused of groping the pop superstar before a concert. But they do want others to know "that you can always say no."

Swift's attorney attacked the credibility of former Denver DJ David Mueller on Tuesday, asking why a woman who reports an assault would then get sued.

Mueller sued Swift after her team told his bosses at a music station that he reached under her dress and touched her backside before a 2013 concert in Denver. He's seeking $3 million, saying the allegation cost him his job and reputation.

Swift countersued Mueller, claiming sexual assault. She's seeking a symbolic $1, saying she wants to serve as an example to other assault victims.

Swift is expected to testify.

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