One of President Donald Trump's State of the Union guests was Alice Johnson. She was serving a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for a first time, non-violent drug charge. But Johnson had an unlikely alley: reality star Kim Kardashian West.
Johnson shared her story with Mic and Kardashian West noticed.
This is so unfair... https://t.co/W3lPINbQuy
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 26, 2017
The TV star met with President Trump last summer about having Johnson's sentence commuted. A week later, Johnson was a free woman.
Fast forward to Tuesday night and Johnson was sitting in the House at the State of the Union as the president's guest. She was an example of Trump's bipartisan criminal justice reform efforts. One of his goals was to give judges the power to determine what sentencing is appropriate.
"Alice's story underscores the disparities and unfairness that can exist in criminal sentencing — and the need to remedy this total injustice," Trump said during speech. "Alice, thank you for reminding us that we always have the power to shape our own destiny."
President Trump commuted her sentence. Tonight, Alice Johnson is at his State of the Union. #SOTU https://t.co/OTAqkas3x8 pic.twitter.com/U89KQJrRWG
— CNN (@CNN) February 6, 2019
Now, Johnson is taking her experience and sharing it with the world. On Wednesday, she announced a book deal with HarperCollins Publishers. Her book, "After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom," will be released on May 21st, USA Today reported. And who better to write the forward than the person who lobbied for her release, Kim Kardashian West?
"I feel humbled that the telling of my story gives hope and my years of pain were not in vain," Johnson said in a statement.
"My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson," Kardashian West said in statement. "Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice's case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause."