Michael Avenatti, a frequent President Trump critic and the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels, was arrested Wednesday on domestic violence charges, police announced.
“We can confirm that today LAPD Detectives arrested Michael Avenatti on suspicion of domestic violence,” the LAPD tweeted. “This is an ongoing investigation and we will provide more details as they become available.”
We can confirm that today LAPD Detectives arrested Michael Avenatti on suspicion of domestic violence. This is an ongoing investigation and we will provide more details as they become available.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) November 15, 2018
The charges arose from an alleged Tuesday incident, prompting authorities to respond and take a report, an unidentified law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Avenatti released a statement through his law office denying the allegations.
“I wish to thank the hard working men and women of the LAPD for their professionalism they were only doing their jobs in light of the completely bogus allegations against me,” the statement said. “I have never been physically abusive in my life nor was I last night. Any accusations to the contrary are fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation. I look forward to being fully exonerated.”
He later appeared before a group of reporters, again denying the accusations and thanking the LAPD, who he said “had no option in light of the allegations.”
“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 going to continue to be an advocate. I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing,” he continued. “I am a father to two beautiful, smart daughters. I would never disrespect them by touching a woman inappropriately or striking a woman. I am looking forward to a full investigation at which point I am confident I will be fully exonerated. I also want to thank everyone for their support that has reached out. You know my character. You know me as a man and I appreciate it.”
Avenatti was formally charged with felony domestic violence and his bail was set at $50,000, LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera told Fox News.
TMZ, which first reported news of the arrest, said that the lawyer “kicked” a woman “out of the apartment.” The outlet initially reported that the alleged incident involved Avenatti’s estranged wife, before later describing the individual simply as a woman.
Avenatti, who in the past has said he’s exploring a 2020 presidential run against Trump, garnered attention when he began representing Daniels.
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. She also sued Trump and his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, alleging defamation.
