Jan 12, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Report: Porn star paid to keep quiet about encounter with Trump

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

President Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, arranged for former adult film star Stephanie Clifford (whose stage name is Stormy Daniels) to be paid $130,000 in October 2016 to keep her from "publicly discussing an alleged sexual encounter with Mr. Trump," the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the matter.

Why it matters: Trump was accused by multiple women of sexual harassment and misconduct during his campaign, all of which have been denied by Trump and his team. Cohen told the Journal that Trump "vehemently denies any such occurrences as has Ms. Daniels."

  • Clifford says she met Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in July 2006, and the alleged encounter took place after that.
  • Per the Journal, it isn't clear if Trump is aware of any payments or agreements made involving Clifford.
  • Clifford was reportedly discussing a possible appearance on Good Morning America in the fall of 2016, WSJ reports.

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