Porn actress Stormy Daniels said she is reserving judgment on the arrest of her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence.
Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, called the allegation serious and said she'd find a new lawyer if it proved true, but noted that Avenatti welcomes an investigation and said she would reserve judgment until the investigation is complete.
"These are serious and obviously very troubling allegations, but right now that is all they are: allegations," she said in a statement. "We should all reserve judgement until the investigation — an investigation Michael has said he welcomes — is complete, and that’s what I’m going to do. I do not condone violence against women and if these allegations prove true I will be seeking new representation."
Avenatti was arrested by Los Angles police officers Wednesday and released on $50,000 bail. A police report was filed Tuesday night by someone in Century City, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which said on Twitter that it was investigating.
Avenatti became famous representing Daniels, who alleges she had sex with Donald Trump in 2006 and has sued to invalidate the confidentiality agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election that prevents her discussing it. Trump denies having sex with Daniels.
Police haven't said who filed the report or what their injuries were. LAPD spokesman Officer Tony Im said the victim has visible injuries.
Avenatti's ex-wife and his estranged wife both issued supportive statements Wednesday saying he's never been abusive with them. Daniels is in England, she tweeted, where she was scheduled to speak at the Oxford Union.
U.S. & World
"I have never struck a woman, I never will strike a woman," Avenatti told reporters Wednesday after posting bail.
On Thursday, Avenatti hinted that a far-right conspiracy theorist was behind the arrest, a claim that person viewed as a threat, he told NBC News.
Avenatti, who has said he's mulling a 2020 presidential run, pursued the president and those close to him relentlessly for months, taunting Trump in interviews and baiting him and his lawyers in tweets.
The Vermont Democratic Party canceled events planned for Friday and Saturday, where Avenatti was scheduled to speak, and is refunding ticket sales.
