Taylor Swift’s #Swifties vs. Justin Bieber’s #Beliebers

Taylor Swift fans have been showing their support for the singer in a unique way through social media as jury selection for her trial got underway today.

The trial relates to an incident in 2013 in which the 27-year-old Swift alleges a former Denver, Colorado, radio host named David Mueller sexually assaulted her during a meet-and-greet before her concert at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

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The man was asked to leave and his employer was informed of the incident. Mueller lost his job. He filed suit in 2015, saying no inappropriate behavior ever happened. He is seeking $3 million in damages. Swift countersued for assault and battery and is seeking just $1 in damages; she wants him held responsible and wants to serve “as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts,” as her suit states.

As the trial commences, Swift’s army of fans, who call themselves #Swifties, have shown support on Twitter with the hashtag #StayStrongTaylor and a special teal ribbon to help spread awareness about sexual assault.

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On the flip side of the coin, another pop star has been going through a public crisis of a different sort.

Justin Bieber recently canceled a tour and released a letter to fans explaining that he needed time off to focus on himself.

“Learning and growing hasn’t always been easy, but knowing I’m not alone has kept me going,” he wrote. “I want you all to know this tour has been unbelievable and has taught me so much about myself … I am reminded of how blessed I am to have a voice in this world. I’ve learned the more you appreciate your calling the more you want to protect your calling.”

The 23-year-old continued, “Me taking this time right now is me saying I want to be SUSTAINABLE … I want my career to be sustainable, but I also want my mind, heart and soul to be sustainable.”

Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, explained in an Instagram post that Bieber was focused on his “soul and well-being.”

Like Swift’s loyal fans, Bieber was the recipient of an outpouring of support from his #Beliebers.

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While both #Swifties and #Beliebers have shown just how popular and influential these two pop singers are, #Swifties have proven themselves to be a tad more positive. On the other hand, #Beliebers were a little more mixed about their singer’s mental health, since it meant canceled tour dates.

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(photo credit, homepage images: GabboT, Flickr / Lou Stejskal; photo credit, article image: Lou Stejskal / Eva Rinaldi)