Despite the initial hush-money deal with Donald Trump in 2016 costing her thousands of dollars in legal fees and expenses, Stormy Daniels has seen a significant increase in her earnings due to the fame and notoriety that came with the scandal. The adult-film actress has capitalized on the attention by embarking on a strip-club tour, signing more lucrative film deals, and selling merchandise related to the encounter. While Trump’s lawyers have tried to undermine Daniels’ credibility in court, she has managed to bolster her earnings by several hundred thousand dollars, according to Forbes’ ballpark tally.
The saga surrounding Daniels and Trump includes lawsuits, book deals, and court battles that have further affected her finances. The adult film star has faced significant legal expenses, including fees for defamation suits and appeals related to her attempts to get out of the nondisclosure agreement with Trump and his former attorney, Michael Cohen. Despite winning some legal battles and settlements, Daniels has also been ordered to pay large sums in legal fees to Trump. The ongoing legal battles have taken a toll on her finances, but Daniels remains defiant and unwilling to pay what she considers unjust fees to the former president.
During the height of the scandal, Daniels signed a book deal that included a significant advance, but her former lawyer, Michael Avenatti, stole a substantial portion of the funds. Avenatti was later convicted of wire fraud and ordered to repay Daniels a portion of the stolen money. Additionally, Daniels has faced challenges in receiving payment for book rights and other deals related to her story. Despite these setbacks, she has managed to secure deals such as a reality show appearance that have added to her earnings and allowed her to continue making a living amidst the legal battles and controversy.
One of the major financial wins for Daniels came in the form of a settlement with the Columbus, Ohio police department, who violated her civil rights during a sting operation in 2018. The $450,000 settlement provided a significant boost to Daniels’ earnings and helped offset some of the legal expenses she had incurred during the course of the scandal. Despite the financial gains, Daniels expressed a longing for the days before the scandal when she had a quieter, more private life and was able to pursue other passions, such as writing and directing successful films and owning a horse that was ranked eighth in the country. The toll of the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny has weighed heavily on Daniels, who remains determined to fight for justice and reclaim her financial stability amidst the chaos surrounding her involvement with Donald Trump.
