Following the news that Donald Trump is to be indicted for allegedly paying adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 seven years ago, she has released a surprising reaction.
As previously reported, the 76-year-old is the first former US President to be hit with criminal charges after New York authorities charged him following a five-year investigation.
As reported by Sky News, the Manhattan District Attorney's office submitted evidence that Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 after the former POTUS allegedly had an extramarital affair with her.
The alleged transaction was made just as Trump came to the end of his 2016 presidential campaign, reportedly as "hush money" so Daniels wouldn't disclose their relationship.
Trump strongly denies the allegations made against him and claims that Daniels is lying.
Although this isn't a crime, Trump allegedly reimbursed Cohen the money and recorded it as legal fees. This could mean that the 76-year-old falsified business records which is classified as a misdemeanor in New York.
Despite the indictment potentially being good news for Daniels in her claims against the former president, she has given a surprising reaction where she claimed to be "sad" about the ordeal.
Daniels' long-time lawyer Clark Brewster told USA Today how the former adult film star's evening unfolded following the news of Trump's charges.
"She was surprised, honestly, even though it was mostly expected," Brewster explained. He noted that Daniels was unaware of the charges for a few hours after the news broke, and she returned home to see that she had received hundreds of messages before calling her lawyer to find out what had happened.
As per USA Today, Daniels had previously stated that she would "dance on the street" if the former president were to be charged, but now it appears that she has had a change of heart.
Discounting Daniels' remark, Brewster said it was "just a comment that she may have made to try to be funny or something."
He then revealed her true feelings: "The fact is that she feels bad that the guy has been charged. But on the other hand, truly, she knew what the facts were and she wants him to deal with the truth as well. So from that perspective, there's a degree of feeling like the system is working."
Adding that they both feel "vindicated" by the news, he said that "it is a sad day, honestly."
"I think obviously the grand jury looked at a lot of documents and heard a lot of testimony and made a decision, and I have to respect that. But on behalf of Stormy and honestly myself, there's no joy in seeing the man indicted."
Brewster added that it is a "tragedy" to see a former President be hit with charges, but he credits the justice system while stating that "it really is a testament, truly, to our constitutional system."
Brewster concluded: "It does prove the adage that we all believe from the time that we’re little kids that no man is above the law."
