Michael Avenatti: Stormy Daniels to ‘seek new lawyer’ if domestic violence allegations prove true

The attorney, his ex-wife and others all say the accusations are false

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels says she will be “seeking new representation” if domestic violence allegations against her attorney Michael Avenatti are true.

The entertainer, who is suing Donald Trump over a nondisclosure agreement she signed about an alleged affair before he went on to win the 2016 election, made the comments after it was reported Mr Avenatti had been arrested over suspicion of domestic violence Wednesday afternoon.

The lawyer, who is considering a 2020 presidential bid, has denied all allegations.

“These are serious and obviously very troubling allegations, but right now that is all they are: allegations,” Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said. ”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.”

As of Thursday, it remained unclear who the alleged victim was in the controversy involving Mr Avenatti.

His estranged wife Lisa Storie-Avenatti denied having any involvement in the incident through her lawyers, refuting a TMZ report that was later corrected.

““This article is not true as it pertains to my client,” the statement read. “Ms Storie-Avenatti was not subject to any such incident.”

Mr Avenatti’s wife filed for divorce in 2017.

“Of course I do not condone violence against women and if these allegations prove true I will be seeking new representation,” Ms Daniels said in her statement.

Mr Avenatti also refuted the allegations, telling reporters after his arrest, “I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman.”

He added, “I have been an advocate for women’s rights my entire career and I’m gonna continue to be an advocate. I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing.“

The lawyer followed his statements with a tweet thanking his supporters and echoing his commitment to women’s rights, writing, “I will not be intimidated into stopping my pursuit of justice and what is right.”

Mr Avenatti has become a staunch opponent to Mr Trump in office, drawing national media attention to Ms Daniels’ lawsuit by appearing on talk shows on a near-weekly basis, as well as launching numerous additional lawsuits against the president. The lawyer also represented Julie Swetnick, who publicly accused Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his controversial nomination process.

He has released a slate of positions on domestic and international issues while visiting states like Iowa ahead of the 2020 elections.