Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has recently opened up about the surge in death threats and harassment she has faced following former President Donald Trump’s conviction in the “hush money” trial.
Speaking in a candid interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Daniels described how the vitriol directed at her has intensified since Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records related to a “hush money” payment made to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Daniels revealed that the threats are now “much more graphic, detailed, and brazen” than before. She mentioned receiving chilling warnings about the assault and murder of her family members, including her young daughter, from people within her community. “People don’t care. It’s scary,” Daniels said, highlighting her daily fear.
The threats have not been limited to just online abuse. Daniels spoke about instances where her mailbox was destroyed, her animals were injured, and she was followed. This harassment began escalating when she testified as a witness during Trump’s trial. Despite hoping for a sense of closure following the trial, Daniels noted that Trump’s conviction only seemed to fuel the anger of his supporters, further endangering her situation.
The former film star also expressed concerns about the possibility of Trump returning to the White House, fearing that he would use his power to make an example of her. She suggested that his supporters might feel emboldened to commit illegal acts, anticipating possible pardons from Trump if he were to regain the presidency.
Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, was convicted on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May. This historic ruling made him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. His legal team has since filed a motion to dismiss the conviction, arguing that Trump had presidential immunity for his actions. The sentencing, originally scheduled for July 11, 2024, has been postponed to September as the court considers this motion.
Barrett Blade, Daniels’ husband, described the guilty verdict as a significant relief, saying it felt like a “big weight off her shoulders.” He acknowledged that Daniels felt somewhat vindicated, noting that this case wasn’t about her seeking personal justice but standing up for what was right from the beginning. Blade emphasized that as Daniels processes the outcome, the conviction affirms the truthfulness of her story and that justice has been served.
Her story highlights the personal toll of legal battles involving high-profile individuals and the societal divisions that can be exacerbated by such cases. As the legal proceedings continue, Daniels and her family hope for a safer and more secure future.
