In a candid interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, disclosed the alarming increase in death threats she has faced following her testimony against former President Donald Trump in his hush money criminal trial. Daniels expressed her growing concern for her safety and that of her family as the threats have become increasingly graphic and bold.
"People don't care. It's scary," Daniels told Maddow, recounting the harrowing experiences she has endured since the trial concluded. She revealed that the threats have come from people within her own community and have included terrifying warnings about abuse and murder directed at her family members, including her young daughter.
The ordeal began when Daniels was doxxed, with her home address being shared across online forums. This exposure led to a series of distressing incidents, including the destruction of her mailbox and injuries to her animals. Daniels now lives in constant fear of being followed and attacked, feeling unsafe even in her own home.
Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to Daniels to cover up their alleged affair during his 2016 presidential campaign. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of four years. Despite the conviction, the aftermath has been fraught with dangers for Daniels. "For every person who celebrated Trump's conviction, there was another very upset," she said, explaining how the trial's outcome has exacerbated the threats against her.
Daniels expressed particular concern about the potential repercussions if Trump were to return to the White House. She fears that his supporters might feel emboldened to commit acts of violence, believing they could receive a presidential pardon for actions taken in his name. "The biggest thing is they're not hiding [anymore]. They used to all be bots. Now they're using their own stuff," she noted, highlighting the increased brazenness of the threats.
In addition to the threats, Daniels is also entangled in legal troubles stemming from her defamation suit against Trump, which she lost. She owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and is facing court sanctions for refusing to provide personal information about her daughter. This financial burden adds to the immense pressure she is already under.
Daniels' partner's home is also under threat due to her tenancy, with attempts being made to seize the property. "They are trying to take my partner's house," she said, noting that she contributes to the mortgage through her rent payments. The situation has left her feeling trapped and constantly under surveillance.
The intensity of the threats became particularly evident when Daniels was giving evidence in court. "It's kind of common knowledge now that I - a lot of people were doxxed," she said. "I know that Cohen was doxxed. They're trying to dox jurors. The judges were doxxed. I was doxxed. And I know that it's directly related because it happened while I was literally still on the stand."
Reflecting on the broader implications of her case, Daniels expressed frustration at the disparity in legal outcomes, citing columnist E. Jean Carroll's successful defamation case against Trump, which resulted in a substantial financial award. In contrast, Daniels has been left with crippling legal fees. "I could be held in contempt with sanctions and that I have to pay this money," she lamented.
When asked if she had the means to pay the substantial sums she owes, Daniels admitted she couldn't. "No, and nor do I think I should. It's not fair," she told Maddow, underscoring the financial and emotional toll the case has taken on her.
