High-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti denied domestic violence allegations being levied against him after he was released on bail Wednesday night, stating that he would not be « intimidated »…
High-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti denied domestic violence allegations being levied against him after he was released on bail Wednesday night, stating that he would not be « intimidated » from advocating for women’s rights.
« I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman, » Avenatti told reporters according to video posted by KABC. « I have been an advocate for women’s rights my entire career and I’m going to continue to be an advocate. « I’m not going to be intimidated from stopping what I’m doing. »
« I am looking forward to a full investigation at which point I am confident that I will be fully exonerated, » he added.
Los Angeles police said Avenatti was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
The lawyer issued a statement denying the allegations via his law office earlier Wednesday night, calling the allegations « completely bogus » and claiming they were « fabricated. »
His ex-wife, Lisa Storie-Aveantti, has denied via her lawyer that she was the victim of the alleged domestic violence.
« My client states that there has never been domestic violence in her relationship with Michael and that she has never known Michael to be physically violent toward anyone, » her statement added.
Avenatti has floated the idea of launching a 2020 presidential run against President Trump, though an arrest on a domestic violence charge could end that.
The Vermont Democratic Party announced it has cancelled two events that were set to feature Avenatti over his arrest on domestic assault allegations.
