In the tumultuous ocean of American politics, few waves have reached the height of the Stormy Daniels affair. “Stormy,” a recently released documentary streaming on Peacock, delves into the life of adult film star Stephanie Clifford, known by her stage name Stormy Daniels. The film, which chronicles her life from childhood in Baton Rouge to her rise as an adult film actor, offers a compelling look into the woman who became a household name after her alleged affair with former President Donald Trump and the subsequent hush-money payments that led to his indictment.
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing legal drama, the documentary begins in 2023, just as Trump faces 34 felony counts related to the payments made to Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Daniels, poised to testify against the former president, says in the film, “”I am here today to tell my story and even if I just change a few people’s minds, it’s fine. If not, at least my daughter can look back on this and know the truth.”
As the trial date approaches, the film sheds light on the multifaceted impact of the affair and its fallout on Daniels’ life. Not only did she become an unlikely hero to some, but she also had to endure the unraveling of her marriage, financial struggles, and a disquieting barrage of threats and insults. “Back in 2018, there was stuff like ‘liar, s***, gold digger,’ This time around, it is very different. It is direct threats. It is ‘I’m going to come to your house and slit your throat.'” Daniels reveals about the darker turn of the hate comments post-indictment.
“Stormy” also explores the origins of the alleged affair with Trump, with Daniels recounting her reasons for not refusing his advances back in 2006. She reflects, “I didn’t say no because I just, I was 9 years old again,” invoking a past trauma that she alleges occurred when she was a child.
Despite the public and personal costs, including owing Trump over $600,000 in attorney fees from a lost defamation suit, Daniels remains steadfast. Among the voices featured in the documentary are actor Seth Rogen and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, both speaking on Daniels’ behalf. Rogen recalls Daniels mentioning Trump years ago, stating, “She’s someone who made an enemy of the most powerful guy on the planet and didn’t, like, cower.” Kimmel adds, “She told the truth and she paid a price for that.”
Daniels, who expresses feeling “so tired” from the six-year conflict, “I’m more prepared with my legal knowledge but I’m also tired. Like, my soul is so tired,” she said. “I won’t give up because I’m telling the truth. And I kind of don’t even know if it matters anymore.”
Relevant articles:
– Threats, debt and Trump’s advances: ‘Stormy’ doc examines the life of Stormy Daniels, NPR, Mar 19, 2024
– In new documentary, Stormy Daniels describes deluge of threats and vulgar messages after Trump indictment, NBC News, Mar 21, 2024
– Stormy Daniels doc is a portrait of a woman destroyed by Donald Trump, Washington Post, Mar 19, 2024
– Opinion: Stormy Daniels in new documentary has the last word on Trump, CNN, Mar 21, 2024