Michael Anvenatti Arrested In LA On Domestic Violence Charges

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Avenatti, who skyrocketed to fame as a chief critic of President Donald Trump and the lawyer for porn actress Stormy Daniels, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence, Los Angeles police said.

Police had responded to a domestic violence incident Tuesday and took a report, but Avenatti was taken into custody Wednesday. The police department said the investigation was still ongoing and additional details would be released later.

Avenatti remained in custody Wednesday afternoon and a call and text message seeking comment weren't immediately returned. A spokesman for his political action committee declined to comment.

Avenatti, who has said he's mulling a 2020 presidential run, became famous as Daniels' lawyer and pursued the president and those close to him relentlessly for months, taunting Trump in interviews and baiting him and his lawyers in tweets.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has said she had an affair with Trump in 2006 and has sued to invalidate the confidentiality agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election that prevents her discussing it. She also sued Trump and his personal attorney, Michael Cohen, alleging defamation.

The Vermont Democratic Party canceled events planned for Friday and Saturday, where Avenatti was scheduled to speak, and is refunding ticket sales.

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Balsamo reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Catherine Lucey in Washington contributed to this report.