Pop star Taylor Swift has won a key triumph in her court fight with ex-radio DJ David Mueller, who she asserts grabbed her at a 2013 show.
Mr Mueller, 55, initially sued the pop star for $3m (£2.3m), saying she cost him his employment.
His case was rejected on Friday in a Denver court.
US District Judge William Martinez decided that Ms Swift was not at risk, as Mr Mueller had not demonstrated she set out to get him let go.
The DJ made similar cases against the artist's mom Andrea Swift, and her radio contact, Frank Bell. A jury will now choose in the event that they are responsible for Mr Mueller's sacking.
Ms Swift, 27, has countersued the DJ for supposedly grabbing her after she consented to posture for a photograph with him and his sweetheart.
She is looking for an emblematic $1 in harms, which she has swore to give to philanthropy.
The decision against Mr Mueller went ahead the fifth day of the trial.
