Michael Avenatti, the attorney representing Stormy Daniels, was arrested Wednesday in California on suspicion of domestic violence, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The LAPD revealed little details on Twitter, but said that Avenatti was booked on a felony domestic violence charge and their investigation remains ongoing. Avenatti was released Wednesday evening on $50,000 bond; he vehemently denies the charge.
Following his release, Avenatti spoke to reporters. "I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman," he said. "I have been an advocate for women’s rights my entire career, and I’m going to continue to be an advocate."
He continued: "I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing. 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 that I will be fully exonerated."
Authorities told the New York Times that Avenatti's arrest "stemmed from an incident on the Westside" of Los Angeles that allegedly occurred either late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. A police report was taken, and Avenatti was later arrested around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Avenatti was booked on a felony charge of "domestic violence with visible injury," according to The Times. He is due in court on Dec. 5.
Avenatti's arrest was first reported by TMZ, and the outlet initially named his estranged wife, Lisa Storie-Avenatti as the alleged victim, although she denied the accounts through an attorney.
"My client and I have reviewed the TMZ article alleging that my client, Lisa Storie-Avenatti, has been injured and that Michael Avenatti has been arrested as a result of some incident that occurred between them. This article is not true as it pertains to my client," the statement issued to BuzzFeed said. "Ms. Storie-Avenatti was not subject to any such incident on Tuesday night. Further, she was not at Mr. Avenatti’s apartment on the date that this alleged incident occurred. 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."
Avenatti's first wife also spoke out against the allegations, writing on Twitter: "I have known Michael Avenatti for over 26 years we met when he was 21 years old and we were married for 13 years. Michael has ALWAYS been a kind loving father to our two daughters and husband to me. He has NEVER been abusive to me or anyone else. He is a good man."
Avenatti became a prominent fixture on cable news and an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump after he filed a suit on behalf of Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who alleges that she had a extramarital affair with the commander-in-chief in 2006 and was paid in exchange for her silence.
Avenatti has also expressed interest in running for president in 2020, but on Wednesday, the Vermont Democratic Party said it was canceling two upcoming events over the weekend where Avenatti was slated to speak and that all ticket sales would be refunded. "The events were canceled immediately upon hearing the news," the Vermont Democratic Party said in a statement.
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