INITIAL REPORT:
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Porn star Stormy Daniels has been arrested at a strip club in Columbus, Ohio, on allegations that she touched undercover police officers while performing.
Daniels is being charged with "illegally sexually oriented activity in a sexually oriented business," a first-degree misdemeanor, according to WCMH's Olivia Fecteau. Here's what you need to know today:
» LIVE UPDATES: Porn star Stormy Daniels arrested at Columbus strip club
1. Why was Stormy Daniels arrested?
Daniels was performing at a club called Sirens when she was arrested, WCMH reporter Olivia Fecteau tweeted early Thursday. When Fecteau called the club, the person on the line declined to comment, she said. “Ohio Revised Code 2907.40 outlines charges against either a patron who touches an employee (or vice versa) who is nude or semi-nude. Depending on what happened, the charge can be a first- or fourth-degree misdemeanor.”
2. What is happening now?
Michael Avenatti, Daniels' lawyer, said the arrest was politcially motivated.
Official Statement From @StormyDaniels: As a result of what happened last night, I will unfortunately be unable to go forward with tonight's scheduled performance. I deeply apologize to my fans in Columbus.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 12, 2018
We expect her to be released on bail shortly. We also expect that she will be charged with a misdemeanor for allowing “touching.” We will vehemently contest all charges. #Basta
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 12, 2018
My client @StormyDaniels will issue a plea of “Not Guilty” to the three misdemeanor charges.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 12, 2018
3. Who is Stormy Daniels?
Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford, claims that she had sex with Donald Trump in 2006, more than a decade before he became president. Daniels is now suing Trump and his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, and seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement that she signed days before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen reportedly paid her $130,000 after she signed the agreement.
» CONTINUED COVERAGE: Status of Stormy Daniels’ Dayton area appearance unclear after Columbus arrest
4. What’s next?
WCMH is reporting that Daniels' arraignment is scheduled for Friday morning at Franklin County Municipal Court. Daniels issued a statement saying her Thursday performance in Columbus has been canceled.
» CONTINUED COVERAGE: Donald Trump’s alleged mistress Stormy Daniels coming to Dayton-area strip club
5. How does this impact Daniels’ planned visit to the Dayton area?
In February, Daniels announced nationwide appearances in a tweet that included a stop at Diamonds Cabaret in Washington Twp. August 3-4. This news outlet is working to find out if Daniels’ arrest impacts the scheduled appearance at Diamonds. Her schedule continues to show an appearance at a Dayton-area venue in August.
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