Stacey Williams – the former model who made bombshell accusations against Donald on Wednesday – was a staple of the legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues throughout the 1990s.
Williams, who appeared with Tyra Banks earlier this week on a panel at the Woodstock Film Festival, accused Trump of groping her after the pair were introduced by sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s.
Born in Dallas, Pennsylvania in 1968, Williams modeling career began in the late 1980s, quickly becoming a popular figure in the industry and working with marquee fashion brands and photographers.
Williams’ work with Sports Illustrated helped solidify her as one of the most prominent swimsuit models of her time, appearing alongside Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum and Rebecca Romijn.
Stacey Williams was a staple of legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues throughout the 1990s. She is pictured in January 1996
Models pose for photographers at a press conference to introduce the 1996 issue of Sports Illustrated with Stacey Williams, Georgina Robertson, Rebecca Romijn, Valleria Mazza, and Tyra Bans all pictured
Standing at 6 feet tall, she was featured six years in a row making her debut in 1992 and then returning for six years in a row as she fast became a fan favorite, until 1998.
She returned for the 40th anniversary issue in 2004 as part of SI’s Hall of Fame.
And in 2013, a special issue celebrating Sports Illustrated’s 50 Greatest Swimsuit models, saw the magazine bring her back to the coveted pages for an eighth time, hailing her as ‘one of Swimsuit’s most memorable models’.
In the final rundown of 50 beauties, Williams ranked a respectable 19th.
Her modeling all came at a time when supermodels were becoming international stars in their own right, but Stacey chose a more understated path.
Williams was a versatile figure in the industry as her natural good looks ensured she was able to show off high-fashion brands while also being relatable enough for commercial work.
Though she kept a relatively low profile compared to some other supermodels of her time, Williams was a recognizable name in the world of fashion modeling.
Stacey Williams returned for Sports Illustrated’s 40th anniversary issue in 2004 as part of SI’s Hall of Fame
Williams’ looks made her a fan favorite as she modeled for various brands including this 1996 poster for Moosehead Beer
Stacey Williams is seen during 2004 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as top models celebrated the Issue’s 40th Anniversary
Outside of the industry, Williams has also featured in a number of minor films including appeared The Dogwalker (1996) while also having a small role in Jerry Maguire (1999). But her acting career never reached the heights of her modeling success.
Beyond her high-profile modeling work, Williams has managed to maintained a relatively private life.
As the fashion industry shifted in the 2000s, Williams seemed to step back from the limelight, allowing newer faces to emerge while she focused on her personal life.
On her IMDB profile, Williams is said to be married to Evan Strauss whom she has had a child with. The couple purchased a mansion in Los Angeles at the turn of the millennium.
The profile shares a couple of nuggets of trivia on Williams including how she once appeared on a poster Moosehead Beer in 1996, ‘practices yoga, and dreams of opening her own studio one day.’
Models from left, Roshumba, Melissa Keller, Petra Nemcova and Stacey Williams seen in 2004
From left, Sports Illustrated models Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Vendela, Valeria Mazza, Roshumba Williams and Stacey Williams are seen
It while she was at the height of her fame in 1992 Williams, then 24, said she met Donald Trump at a party after being introduced by the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, whom she had dated.
Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and killed himself in prison in 2019, paid Trump an impromptu visit with Williams at his New York office block, where he pulled her toward him and began groping her, she alleged.
Williams, now 56, says Trump put his hands ‘all over’ her breasts, waist and buttocks, causing her to freeze on the spot, and she noticed that the two men appeared to be smiling at each other.
A Trump campaign spokeswoman has dismissed the allegations as a ‘fake’ story.
Williams shared a postcard depicting Trump’s south Florida mansion she said he had sent her agent after the episode a year later in 1993, with the message, in his handwriting: ‘Stacey – Your home away from home. Love Donald.’