"We are short of our goal and need some help," Avenatti tweeted, even though the pair have already raised more than $550,000 toward their goal of $850,000.
This promises to be a very busy week but our effort does not run itself. There are numerous expenses associated with cases like this and here, security costs alone are astronomical. We are short of our goal and need some help. Please go to https://t.co/lEHuXf9Ydk#Basta
‐ Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) June 4, 2018
According to the post on "Crowd Justice," the site the pair are using to raise the funds, Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said, "I am attempting to speak honestly and openly to the American people about my relationship with now President Donald Trump, as well as the intimidation and tactics that he, together with his attorney Michael Cohen, have used to silence me."
As for why they need the money, the fundraising post says, "I need funds to pay for: attorneys’ fees; out-of-pocket costs associated with the lawsuit, arbitration, and my right to speak openly; security expenses; and damages that may be awarded against me if I speak out and ultimately lose to Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen."
Two months ago, Daniels did a long interview with 60 Minutes in which she spoke openly about her allegations against the president. Avenatti has made more than 100 appearances on CNN and MSNBC in the past two months in which he, too, spoke openly of the allegations. No suit has been filed for violating the NDA.
Daniels is also selling #TeamStormy merchandise on her website, including t-shirts and a wristband reading, "Fighting bullies is kind of my thing."