In summary, adult-film actress Stormy Daniels has seen a significant increase in her earnings since the hush-money deal between her and former President Donald Trump was revealed. The saga began with an alleged incident in 2006, followed by a failed attempt to sell her story to a magazine for $15,000. In 2016, Trump paid her $130,000 to remain silent, with Daniels ultimately pocketing $96,000 after legal fees. She also sued her attorney and reached a settlement with Cohen in May 2019.
After the Wall Street Journal broke news of the payoff in 2018, Daniels became a household name and capitalized on the attention by signing a more lucrative deal for adult films and embarking on a strip club tour. While the scandal likely doubled her annual income, the added expenses of security and tutors for her daughter offset some of the earnings. Daniels also sold merchandise related to the encounter, further increasing her income.
Daniels incurred significant courtroom costs as a result of lawsuits against Trump and Cohen for defamation, as well as legal fees for unsuccessful defamation suits against the former president. Despite a court order to pay Trump’s legal fees, Daniels has refused to do so, leading to ongoing legal battles. Additionally, a book deal with St. Martin’s Press and a documentary deal added to her earnings, with some complications arising from Avenatti’s theft of funds.
In a separate legal case, Daniels accused members of the Columbus, Ohio police department of violating her civil rights in a 2018 sting operation, resulting in a $450,000 settlement in 2019. Despite these financial gains, Daniels expressed nostalgia for her pre-scandal life during her testimony, citing successful film projects, a top-ranked horse, and a peaceful existence in her Texas home. While her fame has undoubtedly brought financial benefits, it has also come with personal sacrifices and challenges that have affected her overall well-being and satisfaction with her current situation.
