“A storm’s a coming, baby” the adult film star Stormy Daniels promised during her Saturday Night Live appearance back in May. Judging by the tumult of the months since, she’s made good on her claim – though hardly in the way she envisioned.
First, she found herself in handcuffs after Ohio police arrested her and two other women for breaching the state’s ‘no touching’ law. Charges have since been dropped.
Then Glendon Crain, her husband and a fellow porn industry veteran who performs under the name Brendan Miller, is filing for divorce, a temporary restraining order, and sole custody of their daughter.
The petition cites “irreconcilable differences” and adultery as the grounds for divorce – a charge that could surely be levelled at any married woman who has sex on camera for a living – while the restraining order is to prevent Ms Daniels from bringing their seven-year-old daughter on her strip club tour.
Now it seems the harsh winds of the last few weeks may be blowing a rift between Daniels – real name Stephanie Clifford – and her famously shy and retiring lawyer Michael Avenatti.
Quick to get in front of the story yesterday, Avenatti tweeted: “My client Stormy Daneils and her husband Glen have decided to end their marriage. A petition for divorce was filed last week, the accuracy of which is vehemently disputed. Stormy’s daughter remains her number one priority. She kindly asks for privacy for the sake of her family.”
My client Stormy Daniels and her husband Glen have decided to end their marriage. A petition for divorce was filed last week, the accuracy of which is vehemently disputed. Stormy’s daughter remains her number one priority. She kindly asks for privacy for the sake of her family.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 23, 2018
A mere five hours later, Daniels tweeted: “I don’t need or want privacy. I want truth. And it will come out. I’m not afraid.”
I don't need or want privacy. I want truth. And it will come out. I'm not afraid.
— Stormy Daniels (@StormyDaniels) July 23, 2018
So which is it – a respectful plea for privacy from the mother of one? Or a war cry from the star of Good Will Humping and Da Vagina Code who dreams of bringing down the Trump presidency?
Cockburn called Avenatti to clarify, who said: “We asked for privacy for her FAMILY. No different than the fact that we have not made any derogatory comments about Melania or Barron nor have we drawn any attention to them.”
Daniels’ next appearance was supposed to be at the Red Parrot in El Paso on July 27. However she’s just postponed until October – presumably due to her 9am hearing at the 86th District Court…