In a recent court hearing, Keith Davidson, the lawyer representing adult film actress Stormy Daniels, stated that the $130,000 payment made to Daniels was not intended as 'hush money' but rather as a 'consideration' payment. This statement comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings related to the payment and its implications.
During the hearing, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass questioned Davidson about a statement prepared for Daniels in January 2018, in which she denied any romantic relationship with former President Donald Trump. Davidson clarified that while Daniels had interactions with Trump, she did not allege any romantic involvement.
Davidson emphasized that the payment to Daniels was not a 'payoff' or 'hush money,' but rather a form of consideration. He explained that 'consideration' is a legal term referring to what one party gives in exchange for abiding by a contract, in this case, money.
Furthermore, Davidson disputed claims that the payment was labeled as 'legal fees' in Trump's accounting records, with prosecutors alleging potential fraud in the financial transaction.
When asked about the truthfulness of Daniels' statement, Davidson stated that he believed it to be 'technically true.' He also clarified that he did not interpret the interactions between Daniels and Trump as constituting a 'relationship' but rather as occasional encounters.
The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the payment to Stormy Daniels continue to raise questions about the nature of the transaction and its implications for all parties involved.
