Michael Avenatti arrested on suspicion of domestic violence
Michael Avenatti, the attorney for Stormy Daniels and a prominent critic of President Trump, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, the Los Angeles Police Department said Wednesday. Avenatti was booked Wednesday afternoon.
Police didn't immediately disclose details about the incident behind the arrest but Officer Tony Im, an LAPD spokesperson, said the victim had visible injuries.
After posting $50,000 bail, Avenatti denied the allegations, telling reporters, "I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman. I have been an advocate for women's rights my entire career and I'm gonna continue to be an advocate. I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing."
In a statement issued through his law firm, he slammed the allegation as "completely bogus" and intended to harm his reputation.
Later, he made his case on Twitter:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with supportive messages and offers of assistance. It means the world to me. I have always been an advocate of women's rights and equality & I always will be. I will not be intimidated into stopping my pursuit of justice and what is right
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) November 15, 2018
TMZ first reported Avenatti's arrest, and initially said the alleged incident involved Avenatti's estranged wife, Lisa Storie-Avenatti.
However, her attorneys issued a statement denying she was involved, and TMZ issued a correction. "This article is not true as it pertains to my client. Ms. Storie-Avenatti was not subject to any such incident." Avenatti and his wife filed for divorce in 2017.
Avenatti has become a fixture on cable news and is exploring a bid for president in 2020. He rose to fame as the attorney for Daniels, who was allegedly paid off to keep quiet about an affair with President Trump.
Avenatti is also the lawyer for Julie Swetnick, who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct that took place decades ago. Avenatti was blamed by some Democrats for Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Senate when Swetnick walked back some of her accusations.
Avenatti has been referred to the Justice Department for an investigation into his and Swetnick's claims.
The Vermont Democratic Party canceled events planned for Friday and Saturday, where Avenatti was scheduled to speak, and is refunding ticket sales.
Grace Segers contributed to this report