Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress who has claimed a sexual encounter with former President Donald Trump in 2006, has experienced a boost in her popularity and profits following Trump's recent indictment in connection to a $130,000 hush payment. Daniels has built a successful business empire and gained a loyal fanbase for her candid responses to those who attempt to disparage her.
Upon hearing news of the criminal charges, Daniels took to Twitter to express her gratitude for her fans' support and love, noting a surge in orders for her merchandise and autographs. The 44-year-old actress has diversified her career as an author, director, and media personality, launching her reality TV show "Spooky Babes," in which she investigates haunted houses as a paranormal investigator.
Daniels, who once considered running for the U.S. Senate, is unapologetic about capitalizing on her Trump connection and maintains that the former president has done the same but faced much less backlash. In a recent OnlyFans livestream, she stated, "You take the opportunity. Isn't that what America is all about?"
Since predicting his arrest on March 18, Trump has raised over $2 million for his legal defense, with a Trump fundraising group seeking additional contributions following his indictment. In response to his announcement, searches for Daniels on Pornhub surged by 21,655%.
Born Stephanie Clifford, Daniels is married to another adult film star and owns a horse farm, raising a young daughter. Despite a difficult childhood marked by sexual assault and poverty, she excelled academically and became involved in adult entertainment after high school. Daniels quickly gained industry recognition and secured roles in mainstream films and TV shows.
Daniels alleges that she received the hush money to remain silent about her sexual encounter with Trump, who has denied the affair and initially claimed no knowledge of the payment. While the specific charges Trump will face remain unclear, he has indicated his intention to continue pursuing a 2024 presidential bid as he fights the case.
In a recent interview with Britain's Times newspaper, Daniels referred to the indictment as "vindication" and referenced a crude comment Trump made in a 2005 recording about forcing himself on women. She acknowledged the irony of her situation, stating, "But it's bittersweet. He's done so much worse that he should have been taken down before. I am fully aware of the insanity of it being a porn star. But it's also poetic; this pussy grabbed back."
Daniels' diversified career, entrepreneurial spirit, and perseverance have helped her establish a lucrative business empire and cultivate a dedicated fanbase. As the legal proceedings around Trump's indictment unfold, Daniels' popularity and prominence are poised to continue rising, showcasing her ability to seize opportunities and defy critics.