The Truth About Ashley Biden's Diary Shower Will Surprise You: An Explainer

The story of Ashley Biden's diary, and the alleged efforts to obtain and sell it, has recently resurfaced, captivating the public and raising serious legal and ethical questions. Here's a breakdown of the key elements involved:

Who is involved?

At the center of this controversy is Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden. The alleged perpetrators include Aimee Harris and Robert Kurlander, both of whom have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Project Veritas, a conservative activist group known for its undercover operations, also plays a significant, albeit disputed, role. James O'Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas, has maintained the group acted ethically and within legal boundaries.

What happened?

In 2020, Ashley Biden reportedly stored personal belongings, including a diary, at a private residence in Delray Beach, Florida. After she moved out, Harris and Kurlander allegedly gained access to these items. The diary allegedly contained deeply personal entries about Ashley Biden's struggles with addiction, her relationship with her father, and other sensitive information. Harris and Kurlander are accused of conspiring to sell the diary to Project Veritas for $40,000. According to court documents, Harris received $20,000, and Kurlander received $20,000.

When and Where did this occur?

The alleged theft and sale of the diary occurred in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, specifically in September 2020. The events unfolded primarily in Delray Beach, Florida, where the alleged theft occurred, and then extended to New York, where Project Veritas is headquartered, and potentially other locations as the diary was shopped around to different media outlets.

Why did this happen?

The motivations appear to be primarily financial and political. Harris and Kurlander allegedly saw an opportunity to profit from the diary's contents, believing it would be valuable to media organizations or political groups interested in discrediting Joe Biden during the election campaign. Project Veritas, known for its politically motivated investigations, allegedly saw the diary as a potential source of damaging information about the then-presidential candidate.

Historical Context: Political Espionage and Media Ethics

The Ashley Biden diary controversy isn't happening in a vacuum. It echoes historical instances of political espionage and raises critical questions about media ethics. The "Pentagon Papers" leak in 1971, for example, involved the release of classified documents to the press, sparking a national debate about government transparency versus national security. Similarly, the Watergate scandal in the 1970s exposed illegal activities by the Nixon administration, including wiretapping and burglary.

In the context of media ethics, the incident highlights the tension between the public's right to know and the protection of individual privacy. While the media often plays a vital role in holding power accountable, there are ethical boundaries that should not be crossed, particularly when it comes to exploiting private information obtained through potentially illegal means. The First Amendment does not provide blanket protection for publishing information obtained illegally.

Current Developments: The Legal Fallout

Harris and Kurlander have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Their sentencing has been delayed multiple times, possibly due to their cooperation with the ongoing investigation. They face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Project Veritas has not been charged with any crime, but the FBI conducted raids on several of its employees' homes in November 2021. Project Veritas maintains it acted lawfully and that the diary was obtained through legitimate journalistic means. They claim they ultimately decided not to publish the diary because its authenticity could not be verified. However, copies of the diary were leaked to other conservative websites before the election.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether further charges will be filed against other individuals or organizations involved.

The "Surprising" Twist: Beyond the Headlines

The "surprising" aspect of this story lies not so much in the initial act of theft and attempted sale, but in the complexities surrounding Project Veritas' role and the potential chilling effect on investigative journalism. The fact that the DOJ is scrutinizing the actions of a media organization raises concerns about the potential for government overreach and the suppression of legitimate newsgathering activities.

However, the crucial distinction here is the alleged *manner* in which the information was obtained. Unlike traditional investigative journalism, which relies on whistleblowers, public records, and independent investigations, the Ashley Biden diary case involves alleged theft and the payment of money for stolen property. This blurs the lines between journalism and criminal activity.

Furthermore, the fact that the diary contained highly personal and sensitive information, unrelated to any matter of public importance, raises ethical questions about the motivations behind its attempted publication. Was the goal truly to inform the public, or was it to inflict personal harm and damage the reputation of a political opponent?

Likely Next Steps

• Sentencing of Harris and Kurlander: Their sentencing will likely proceed after their cooperation with the DOJ investigation is complete. The sentences they receive will depend on the extent of their cooperation and the severity of their actions.


• Continued DOJ Investigation: The DOJ investigation is likely to continue, focusing on the actions of Project Veritas and potentially other individuals or organizations involved in the attempted publication of the diary.


• Potential Civil Lawsuits: Ashley Biden could potentially file civil lawsuits against Harris, Kurlander, Project Veritas, and any other parties involved in the unauthorized dissemination of her diary.


• Debate on Media Ethics: The case will likely continue to fuel debate about the ethical boundaries of investigative journalism and the appropriate balance between the public's right to know and the protection of individual privacy.


• Legislative Action: Depending on the outcome of the investigation and any potential civil lawsuits, there could be calls for legislative action to strengthen laws protecting personal privacy and to clarify the legal boundaries of investigative journalism.

The Ashley Biden diary case is a complex and multifaceted story with significant legal, ethical, and political implications. While the initial focus was on the alleged theft and attempted sale of the diary, the broader issues surrounding media ethics, government overreach, and the protection of personal privacy are likely to continue to be debated for years to come. The "surprise" is not just the existence of the diary, but the murky ethical and legal landscape it has revealed.