Stormy Daniels, the former adult film star who gained notoriety for her alleged affair with Donald Trump, made a powerful and emotional appearance at the SXSW premiere of the documentary “Stormy.” While she skipped the red carpet, Daniels took the stage after the screening to express her gratitude towards director Sarah Gibson and share her thoughts on the film.
Embracing director Sarah Gibson, Daniels couldn’t hold back her tears as she spoke about the significance of the documentary to her. She also displayed her trademark defiance by ending her speech with a bold statement directed at Trump. “And f*ck Trump,” she declared, leaving no room for ambiguity about her feelings towards the former president.
Daniels praised Gibson for her exceptional storytelling skills, particularly highlighting the seamless transitions in the film. She also expressed her appreciation for Gibson’s thoughtful approach to cinematography, stating, “And you didn’t use too many shots that made me look fat. So thank you.”
The documentary “Stormy” has garnered attention not only for its subject matter but also for its executive producer, Judd Apatow. Apatow, known for his work in comedy films, lent his support to the project. Interestingly, Daniels revealed a personal connection to Apatow, recounting a touching story from 2004 when she auditioned for a role in his movie, “The 40-Year Old Virgin.” Despite facing a personal tragedy that prevented her from joining the set, Apatow rearranged his shoot schedule and even sent flowers to the funeral. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Daniels.
Before the screening, Apatow emphasized the importance of recognizing that there are real people behind the clickbait headlines. He urged viewers to remember that Daniels’ story is not just a scandal but a complex narrative involving real individuals.
The documentary delves into Daniels’ life and the upheaval she experienced after her involvement with Trump came to light. Both Daniels and Trump’s former fixer, Michael Cohen, have claimed that Trump paid her $130,000 to keep their affair under wraps. As the payment occurred during the 2016 presidential election, some have argued that it constitutes election fraud. The Manhattan District Attorney is currently preparing for trial in a hush money case against Trump, further highlighting the legal ramifications of this scandal.
When news of the payments surfaced, Trump vehemently denied the allegations and labeled Daniels a liar. In response, Daniels sued him for defamation but ultimately lost the case. To make matters worse, she was ordered to pay $300,000 to cover Trump’s legal expenses. Adding insult to injury, her former lawyer, Michael Avenatti, who initially defended her and garnered significant media attention, was convicted of defrauding her. Avenatti was sentenced to four years in prison for wire fraud and identity theft after stealing book-contract proceeds from Daniels by forging her signature on a letter to her agent.
“Stormy” sheds new light on Daniels’ story, revealing previously undisclosed details about her life and experiences. The documentary is produced by Erin Lee Carr, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her compelling storytelling, with Sara Bernstein serving as the executive producer.
The premiere of “Stormy” at SXSW marked a significant moment for Daniels as she bravely shared her journey with the world. Through tears and defiance, she reminded everyone that behind the headlines and scandals, there are real people with real stories. The documentary promises to provide a deeper understanding of Daniels’ life and the impact of her entanglement with Trump. As the film prepares for its release on Peacock later this month, audiences eagerly await the opportunity to witness Daniels’ story unfold on screen.
