Martha Gets Five Months
A federal judge sentenced Martha Stewart Friday morning to five months in prison, five months of home confinement and two years of probation after she's released from prison. The judge also ordered Stewart to pay a $30,000 fine.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside a New York City courtroom to hear the sentencing, and it became clear instantly that a sentenced and somber Stewart was still very much supported.
"Today is a shameful day," Stewart said outside the courthouse. "It's shameful for me and for my family. I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid whatsoever. I'm just very sorry that it's come to this."
Despite spending more than two years fighting to clear her good name, Stewart has had plenty of support from her friends and countless famous faces. "Martha's conviction was totally unjust," insisted longtime Martha supporter, Rosie O'Donnell. "If there was a women's movement, if there was Gloria Steinem, we'd all be marching on Washington."
"She's a very strong, very brilliant woman," Donald Trump told us. "This has just been a terrible tragedy for her, but she will be back."
Friday morning, always the business woman, Stewart was already preparing for her return. "Perhaps all of you can continue to show your support by subscribing to our magazine, buying our products, encouraging our advertisers to come back in full force."
Stewart's stock was up Friday, but Business Week's Diane Bradey said making a comeback won't be easy. "If she comes back as a brand, she's going to have to come back in a form other than it being all about perfection in the household," Bradey insisted. "Because that's not what people associate with her right now."
For now, the domestic diva may be spared an immediate trip to prison. The judge agreed to postpone her sentence, pending appeal. Stewart's lawyers now have 10 days to file for an appeal, which they are expected to do.
"I will be back," Stewart told her fans. "I will be back."
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