Michael Avenatti

Avenatti was born on February 16, 1971, in Sacramento, California, into a family of Italian heritage.{{cite web|title=Michael Avenatti found guilty of defrauding Stormy Daniels over Trump book money|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/michael-avenatti-guilty-fraud-stormy-daniels-trump-1.6340065|publisher=CBC.ca|date=4 February 2022|access-date=8 June 2024|quote="I'm Italian. I like Italian food..."}} He spent his early childhood in Colorado and Utah.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/michael-avenatti-the-adrenaline-fueled-lawyer-taking-on-donald-trump/2018/03/25/3ef5cbdc-2e88-11e8-b0b0-f706877db618_story.html|title=Michael Avenatti, the adrenaline-fueled lawyer taking on President Trump|newspaper=The Washington Post|last=Roig-Franzia|first=Manuel|date=March 25, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105233545/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/michael-avenatti-the-adrenaline-fueled-lawyer-taking-on-donald-trump/2018/03/25/3ef5cbdc-2e88-11e8-b0b0-f706877db618_story.html|url-status=live}} His father was a manager for Anheuser-Busch.{{cite magazine |last1=Ball |first1=Molly |last2=Abramson |first2=Alana |title=Michael Avenatti's Past Won't Stop Him From Running in 2020 |url=https://time.com/5434317/michael-avenatti/ |magazine=Time |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105055700/https://time.com/5434317/michael-avenatti/ |url-status=live }} He moved with his family to Chesterfield, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, in 1982, where he attended Parkway Central High School.{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/joe-holleman/porn-star-stormy-daniels-lawyer-graduated-from-parkway-central/article_8ce4cfef-818e-58db-8250-a8f7d317effa.html|last=Holleman|first=Joe|title=Porn star Stormy Daniels' lawyer graduated from Parkway Central|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=March 8, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606134405/https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/joe-holleman/porn-star-stormy-daniels-lawyer-graduated-from-parkway-central/article_8ce4cfef-818e-58db-8250-a8f7d317effa.html|url-status=live}}

After graduating in 1989, Avenatti attended Saint Louis University for one year before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1996. While in college, he worked as an opposition researcher for Rahm Emanuel's political consulting firm. After college, Avenatti attended the George Washington University Law School. His application was initially wait-listed, and he was eventually admitted to its evening school program.{{Cite web|url=https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/avenatti|title=Michael Avenatti's former law school still gives out scholarship in his name|first=Mariana|last=Barilas|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group|date=April 10, 2019|website=WBMA|via=abc3340.com|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606050027/https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/avenatti|url-status=live}} While a law student, Avenatti worked with Professor Jonathan Turley on constitutional issues relating to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).{{cite news|url=https://www.superlawyers.com/california-southern/article/the-scourge-of-kpmg/2afc085d-5bb4-472a-bc5c-4a9ca16915ef.html|title=Michael J. Avenatti – California Lawyers – The Scourge of KPMG|newspaper=Super Lawyers|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212453/https://www.superlawyers.com/california-southern/article/the-scourge-of-kpmg/2afc085d-5bb4-472a-bc5c-4a9ca16915ef.html|url-status=live}}

Avenatti graduated in 2000 and ranked first in his class with a Juris Doctor with high honors and Order of the Coif membership.

In 2003, the George Washington Law School established the Michael J. Avenatti Award for Excellence in Pre-Trial and Trial Advocacy after Avenatti made five-figure donations to the school. The annual award is given to the member of the graduating Juris Doctor class who demonstrates excellence in pre-trial and trial advocacy. Avenatti was awarded GW's Alumni Recognition Award in 2010.{{cite magazine | url = http://www2.gwu.edu/~magazine/archive/2010_law_winter/dept_philanthropy.html | title = A Zest for Advocacy | first1 = Kathleen | last1 = Kocks | volume = Winter 2010 | magazine = GW Magazine | publisher = George Washington University | access-date = November 6, 2017 | archive-date = July 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210720215312/https://www2.gwu.edu/~magazine/archive/2010_law_winter/dept_philanthropy.html | url-status = live }}

In college and later in law school, Avenatti worked at The Research Group, a political opposition research and media firm run by Rahm Emanuel (later White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama, and Mayor of Chicago).{{cite magazine|url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-1992/Rahm-Emanuel-during-the-Bill-Clinton-Years/|title=A Rahm for the Money|last=Jannot|first=Mark|date=August 3, 1992|magazine=Chicago|access-date=June 12, 2018|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226220613/https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-1992/Rahm-Emanuel-during-the-Bill-Clinton-Years/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-stormy-daniels-lawyer-michael-avenatti-20180326-story.html|title=Stormy Daniels' lawyer saw 'soft underbelly of politics' while working for Rahm Emanuel|last=Roig-Franzia|first=Manuel|date=March 26, 2018|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=June 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055213/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-stormy-daniels-lawyer-michael-avenatti-20180326-story.html|url-status=live}} Avenatti worked on over 150 Democratic and Republican campaigns in 42 states while studying at George Washington University.

After law school, Avenatti worked at O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles, California, alongside Daniel M. Petrocelli, who previously represented the Ron Goldman family in its case against O. J. Simpson.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5190480/ns/dateline_nbc-newsmakers/t/man-behind-simpson-guilty-verdict/|title=Man behind Simpson guilty verdict|date=June 14, 2004|website=NBC News|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222014519/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5190480/ns/dateline_nbc-newsmakers/t/man-behind-simpson-guilty-verdict#.WhI087Q-eqA|url-status=dead}} He assisted Petrocelli on multiple legal matters, including the representation of singer Christina Aguilera{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/40609/christina-s-court-fight|title=Christina's Court Fight|last=Farache|first=Emily|date=October 18, 2000|website=E! Online|access-date=June 12, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165123/https://www.eonline.com/news/40609/christina-s-court-fight|url-status=live}} and litigation surrounding the movie K-19: The Widowmaker,{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/41182/harrison-ford-sub-drama-draws-fire|title=Harrison Ford Sub Drama Draws Fire|last=Grossberg|first=Josh|date=February 17, 2001|website=E! Online|access-date=June 12, 2018|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212050/https://www.eonline.com/news/41182/harrison-ford-sub-drama-draws-fire|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/03/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-attorney-relishes-his-role-as-trump-nemesis|title=The President May Be Able to Fire Mueller, but He Can't Fire Me|last=Hagan|first=Joe|date=March 23, 2018|work=The Hive|access-date=June 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125075654/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/03/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-attorney-relishes-his-role-as-trump-nemesis|url-status=live}} and worked extensively for Don Henley and Glenn Frey of the musical group the Eagles, including in a suit brought by former bandmate Don Felder against the group and Irving Azoff.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-08-fi-eagles-8-story.html|title=Reborn Eagles Lose Peaceful, Easy Feeling|first=Jeff|last=Leeds|date=December 8, 2002|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=October 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019231625/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/dec/08/business/fi-eagles-8|url-status=live}}

Avenatti later joined Greene Broillet & Wheeler, a Los Angeles boutique law firm. While there, he handled a number of high-profile cases, including a $10 million defamation case against Paris Hilton which was settled out of court,{{cite web|url=http://people.com/celebrity/paris-hilton-settles-10-million-defamation-suit/|title=Paris Hilton Settles $10 Million Defamation Suit|date=August 23, 2007|work=People|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928081847/https://people.com/celebrity/paris-hilton-settles-10-million-defamation-suit/|url-status=live}} settled an idea-theft lawsuit relating to the show The Apprentice and against producers Mark Burnett and Donald Trump,{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/stormy-daniels-lawyer-sued-trump-paris-hilton-article-1.3861088|title=Stormy Daniels' lawyer has negotiated settlements with Donald Trump and Paris Hilton|last=Niemietz|first=Brian|date=March 7, 2018|work=New York Daily News|access-date=June 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523161255/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/stormy-daniels-lawyer-sued-trump-paris-hilton-article-1.3861088|url-status=live}} and a $40 million embezzlement lawsuit involving KPMG.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB114359862516210767|title=KPMG Settles Targus Audit Case|first=David|last=Reilly|date=March 29, 2006|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122150430/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB114359862516210767|url-status=live}}

In 2007, Avenatti formed the law firm Eagan Avenatti, LLP (formerly known as Eagan O'Malley & Avenatti, LLP) with offices in Newport Beach, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, all in California. The firm launched many high-profile lawsuits, including one over allegedly defective hospital gowns.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-investigates-medical-gear-sold-during-ebola-crisis/|title=60 Minutes investigates medical gear sold during Ebola crisis|last=Cooper|first=Anderson|date=May 1, 2016|website=CBS News|access-date=May 28, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025214854/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-investigates-medical-gear-sold-during-ebola-crisis/|url-status=live}} He appeared on 60 Minutes three times in connection with cases he has handled.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/final-resting-place-cemeteries-lack-oversight/3/|title=Final resting place: Cemeteries lack oversight|last=Cooper|first=Anderson|date=May 21, 2012|website=CBS News|access-date=May 28, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613011954/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/final-resting-place-cemeteries-lack-oversight/3/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stormy-daniels-describes-her-alleged-affair-with-donald-trump-60-minutes-interview/|title=Stormy Daniels describes her alleged affair with Donald Trump|last=Cooper|first=Anderson|date=March 28, 2018|work=CBS News|access-date=May 28, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326002719/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stormy-daniels-describes-her-alleged-affair-with-donald-trump-60-minutes-interview/|url-status=live}}

Avenatti also served as lead counsel on a number of historically large cases, including an April 2017 $454 million verdict after a jury trial in Federal Court in Los Angeles in a fraud case against Kimberly-Clark and Halyard Health,{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hospital-gowns-20170410-story.html|title=Hospital gowns didn't protect as promised, jury says in $454-million fraud verdict|date=April 10, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106214223/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hospital-gowns-20170410-story.html|url-status=live}} later reduced to a $21.7 million verdict upon appeal,{{Cite news|url=https://www.law.com/therecorder/2018/04/11/stormy-daniels-lawyer-avenatti-fights-to-save-huge-punitive-award-against-kimberly-clark/?slreturn=20180403234724|title=Stormy Daniels Lawyer Avenatti Fights to Save Huge Punitive Award Against Kimberly-Clark|last=Greene|first=Jenna|date=April 11, 2018|work=The Recorder|via=Law.com|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090021/https://www.law.com/therecorder/2018/04/11/stormy-daniels-lawyer-avenatti-fights-to-save-huge-punitive-award-against-kimberly-clark/?slreturn=20180403234724|url-status=live}} an $80.5 million class-action settlement against Service Corporation International,{{cite news | url = https://jewishjournal.com/news/los_angeles/127210/ | title = Eden Memorial Park settles lawsuit in $80.5 million deal | newspaper = The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles | first = Jared | last = Sichel | date = February 27, 2014 | access-date = November 20, 2017 | archive-date = March 27, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091815/https://jewishjournal.com/news/los_angeles/127210/ | url-status = live }} and a $41 million jury verdict against KPMG.{{cite web|url=https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/almID/1202425263932/|title=KPMG Assessed $41 Million for Failing to Divulge Fraud Revealed in Audit|website=New Jersey Law Journal|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211150/https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/almID/1202425263932/|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Avenatti formed a company, Global Baristas, to buy Seattle-based Tully's Coffee out of bankruptcy.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2018-03-09/report-tullys-coffee-closing-stores-due-to-lack-of-coffee|title=Report: Tully's Stores Run Out of Coffee as Rebranding Looms|website=Usnews.com|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031015531/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2018-03-09/report-tullys-coffee-closing-stores-due-to-lack-of-coffee|url-status=live}} Avenatti first formed a partnership with actor Patrick Dempsey, but Dempsey later backed away from the venture after a short legal battle that resulted in a settlement.{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/dempsey-walks-away-from-tullyrsquos-after-suing-partner/|title=Dempsey walks away from Tully's after suing partner|date=August 23, 2013|newspaper=Seattle Times|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810094534/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/dempsey-walks-away-from-tullyrsquos-after-suing-partner/|url-status=live}} Since 2015, Global Baristas has been named in more than 50 lawsuits in state and federal courts for breach of contract, unpaid bills, and unpaid taxes.{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/before-stormy-daniels-her-attorney-faced-allegations-of-dubious-business-dealings/|title=Before Stormy Daniels, her attorney faced allegations of dubious business dealings at Tully's Coffee|last=Kamb|first=Lewis|date=April 7, 2018|newspaper=Seattle Times|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820044342/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/before-stormy-daniels-her-attorney-faced-allegations-of-dubious-business-dealings/|url-status=live}}

In 2015, Avenatti prevailed against the National Football League (NFL) following a jury trial in Dallas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/news/2015/03/12/dallas-jury-awards-76000-to-super-bowl-seat-plaintiffs-finds-no-fraud-by-nfl|title=Dallas jury awards $76,000 to Super Bowl seat plaintiffs, finds no fraud by NFL|date=March 12, 2015|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|access-date=May 10, 2018|language=en|archive-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202632/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/news/2015/03/12/dallas-jury-awards-76000-to-super-bowl-seat-plaintiffs-finds-no-fraud-by-nfl|url-status=live}} He later pursued a class-action suit on behalf of fans who showed up for Super Bowl XLV with tickets that didn't correspond to actual seats, but the courts in Texas declined to certify the class.

In 2016, Avenatti filed another class action lawsuit against the NFL, this time on behalf of ticket-holders to the annual Hall of Fame Game, which was canceled a few hours before kickoff.{{Cite news|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/09/hall-of-fame-non-game-lawsuit-appears-to-be-looming/|title=Hall of Fame Non-Game lawsuit appears to be looming|last=Florio|first=Mike|date=August 9, 2016|work=ProFootballTalk|access-date=May 10, 2018|via=NBC Sports|language=en-US|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001045417/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/09/hall-of-fame-non-game-lawsuit-appears-to-be-looming/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/11/class-action-filed-in-ohio-over-hall-of-fame-non-game/|title=Class action filed in Ohio of Hall of Fame Non-Game|last=Florio|first=Mike|date=August 11, 2016|website=ProFootballTalk|via=NBC Sports|access-date=May 10, 2018|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001041412/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/11/class-action-filed-in-ohio-over-hall-of-fame-non-game/|url-status=live}}

In 2017, ex-con Gerald Tobin alleged Avenatti failed to pay him $28,700 for private investigatory work. As a result, Avenatti's firm was abruptly forced into bankruptcy. Tobin, a Floridian with four decades of convictions and jail time, was not a licensed investigator. Tobin's claim forced Avenatti to cancel a deposition in an unrelated lawsuit days later, raising the question of collusion between Avenatti and Tobin. The issue was resolved when the pair entered a non-disclosure agreement, and Avenatti paid Tobin the $28,700.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/01/politics/avenatti-bankruptcy-lawsuit-stormy/index.html|title=How a 'nobody' ex-con pushed Avenatti law firm into bankruptcy|author1=Maeve Reston|author2=Scott Glover|author3=Sara Sidner|author4=Traci Tamura|website=CNN|date=June 2018|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009103052/https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/01/politics/avenatti-bankruptcy-lawsuit-stormy/index.html|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Avenatti's law firm was subjected to a $10 million judgment in a U.S. bankruptcy court. Avenatti has also defaulted on a $440,000 verdict in back taxes, penalties, and interest that he was personally obligated to pay under another bankruptcy settlement. The U.S. Attorney's office asserted in court that a motion seeking payment would soon be filed against Avenatti.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-bankruptcy-20180522-story.html|title=Law firm of Stormy Daniels' attorney hit with $10-million judgment|last=Finnegan|first=Michael|date=May 22, 2018|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 22, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003160401/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-bankruptcy-20180522-story.html|url-status=live}} Eagan Avenatti had been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and, in December 2017, had agreed to pay $4.8 million in unpaid fees to a former partner, $2 million in back taxes, and $1 million to other creditors.{{cite web|url=https://www.law360.com/articles/1023444/judge-oks-eagan-avenatti-s-exit-from-ch-11|title=Judge OKs Eagan Avenatti's Exit From Ch. 11|last1=Bolado|first1=Carolina|website=Law360|access-date=March 19, 2018|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810094801/https://www.law360.com/articles/1023444/judge-oks-eagan-avenatti-s-exit-from-ch-11|url-status=live}} In June 2018, the former partner filed a motion in U.S. bankruptcy court asking for a lien on any and all legal fees Avenatti's firm might collect, up to $10 million, from clients in 54 cases including his representation of Stormy Daniels.{{cite news |title=Lawyer moves to seize Stormy Daniels' crowdfunding cash in Avenatti spat |url=http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-stormy-daniels-avenatti-20180613-story.html |access-date=June 13, 2018 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212410/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-stormy-daniels-avenatti-20180613-story.html |url-status=live }}

In November 2018, a few days after his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, Avenatti's law firm was evicted from its office in Newport Beach after skipping $213,000 worth of rent payments.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/avenattis-law-firm-evicted-from-california-offices-over-unpaid-213g-rent|title=Avenatti's law firm evicted from California offices over unpaid $213G rent|last1=Mikeleonis|first1=Lukas|website=Fox News|date=November 17, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207203404/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/avenattis-law-firm-evicted-from-california-offices-over-unpaid-213g-rent|url-status=live}} In January 2019, a former client filed an arbitration against Avenatti, alleging misuse of settlement funds Eagan Avenatti LLP had received in trust.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/former-client-accuses-michael-avenatti-of-operating-law-firm-like-a-ponzi-scheme|title=Former Client Accuses Michael Avenatti of Operating Law Firm Like a 'Ponzi Scheme'|author=Betsy Briquelet and Kate Woodruff|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|language=en|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901103758/https://www.thedailybeast.com/former-client-accuses-michael-avenatti-of-operating-law-firm-like-a-ponzi-scheme|url-status=live}}

On June 3, 2019, the California State Bar filed a 573-page petition to enroll Avenatti in involuntary inactive status pending the outcome of the criminal cases and the disciplinary action which will be filed against him. The primary basis for the action was Avenatti's alleged embezzlement of $1,600,000 in funds from client Greg Barela.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/04/politics/avenatti-california-bar/index.html|title=The California State Bar has taken the first step to disbar Michael Avenatti|last=Silverman|first=Hollie|date=June 4, 2019|work=CNN|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225134744/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/04/politics/avenatti-california-bar/index.html|url-status=live}}

Starting in 2010, Avenatti drove in approximately 33 sportscar races, including various American Le Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship, Porsche Supercup, and United SportsCar Championship races in the United States and Europe. These races included the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, 2012 Petit Le Mans, and the Long Beach Grand Prix.{{cite web|title=Michael Avenatti – Racing career profile|url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/michael-avenatti/|website=Driver Database|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=March 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326044335/https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/michael-avenatti/|url-status=live}} Avenatti had been planning to race the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans, but replaced himself with Patrick Long a few weeks before the event because scheduling conflicts had arisen with his other business interests.{{cite web |url=http://autoweek.com/article/alms/patrick-long-join-patrick-dempsey-and-dempseydel-piero-racing-le-mans |title=Patrick Long to Join Patrick Dempsey and Dempsey/Del Piero Racing for Le Mans |author= |work=Autoweek |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104160317/https://autoweek.com/article/alms/patrick-long-join-patrick-dempsey-and-dempseydel-piero-racing-le-mans |url-status=live }} At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, Avenatti teamed up with Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud and Polish driver Jakub "Kuba" Giermaziak in the No. 66 JMW Motorsport Ferrari 458 Italia. The team placed seventh in its class.{{cite web |url=https://www.fiawec.com/en/driver/265 |title=FIA Driver Categorisation – Michael Avenatti |website=FIA World Endurance Championship |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101124424/https://www.fiawec.com/en/driver/265 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://sportscar365.com/lemans/lemans24/avenatti-le-mans-lived-up-to-the-expectation-level-and-then-some/ |title=Avenatti: 'Le Mans Lived Up to the Expectation Level and Then Some' |date=June 16, 2015 |author=John Dagys |work=Sportscar 365 |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506071236/https://sportscar365.com/lemans/lemans24/avenatti-le-mans-lived-up-to-the-expectation-level-and-then-some/ |url-status=live }}

; 24 Hours of Le Mans results

Prior to the 1999 resolution of the Leonard v. Pepsico, Inc. lawsuit, Avenatti – then a law student – was hired by plaintiff John Leonard as a media relations consultant.{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |date=2022-11-17 |title=Netflix documentary 'Pepsi, Where's My Jet' premieres |url=https://nypost.com/2022/11/16/netflix-documentary-pepsi-wheres-my-jet-premieres/ |access-date=2022-12-19 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217121142/https://nypost.com/2022/11/16/netflix-documentary-pepsi-wheres-my-jet-premieres/ |url-status=live }} Avenatti assisted Leonard in developing relationships and gaining interviews with earned media in order to sway public opinion. The two became close friends.{{cite web | url=https://www.salon.com/2022/11/19/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-netflix-pepsi-point-scandal/ | title=The 7 most bizarre "Pepsi, Where's My Jet?" revelations from Netflix's strange-but-true docuseries | date=November 19, 2022 | access-date=December 24, 2022 | archive-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225114004/https://www.salon.com/2022/11/19/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-netflix-pepsi-point-scandal/ | url-status=live }} At one stage, Leonard and Avenatti embarked on a road trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma – financed by the former's business partner, Todd Hoffman – in order to meet Victor Miller, who had allegedly given Pepsi right of first refusal for his privately-owned Harrier jet.{{cite episode |title=The Bad News Bears |series=Pepsi, Where's My Jet? |network=Netflix |season=1 |number=3 |last=Renzi |first=Andrew (director)}}

Through his research, Avenatti discovered that the Pepsi Stuff commercial aired in Canada – also displaying a supposedly redeemable Harrier jump jet – included a disclaimer stating that the offer was in jest.{{cite web | url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/netflix-pepsi-wheres-my-jet-documentary-series-john-leonard-michael-avenatti-061144774.html | title=Netflix 'Pepsi, Where's My Jet?': The college student who sued Pepsi for a fighter jet | date=November 18, 2022 | access-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-date=December 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207025850/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/netflix-pepsi-wheres-my-jet-documentary-series-john-leonard-michael-avenatti-061144774.html | url-status=live }} He also unearthed information relating to the 1992 Pepsi Number Fever disaster in the Philippines, as the result of a failed Pepsi marketing campaign.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-docu-series-review-an-all-american-pop-rush-that-fizzles-out-in-the-end/article66160352.ece | title='Pepsi, Where's My Jet?' docu-series review: An all-American pop rush that fizzles out in the end | newspaper=The Hindu | date=November 20, 2022 | last1=Keswani | first1=Pallavi | access-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225085340/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-docu-series-review-an-all-american-pop-rush-that-fizzles-out-in-the-end/article66160352.ece | url-status=live }} Avenatti eventually left the team over disagreement with his methods.{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/student-tried-sue-pepsi-26m-28679412 | title=Plucky student tried to sue Pepsi for 'joke' £26m fighter jet advert | website=Daily Mirror | date=December 9, 2022 | access-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225091415/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/student-tried-sue-pepsi-26m-28679412 | url-status=live }}

Avenatti appeared in the 2022 Netflix docuseries Pepsi, Where's My Jet?, recounting his role in Leonard's defense; his interviews were filmed under house arrest.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title='Pepsi weren't counting on a dreamer like me': the student who sued a soft drink giant for a $23m fighter jet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/16/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-netflix-documentary-student-who-sued-pepsi-for-jump-jet |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214103317/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/16/pepsi-wheres-my-jet-netflix-documentary-student-who-sued-pepsi-for-jump-jet |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Stormy Daniels–Donald Trump scandal}}

File:Stormy Daniels and Michael Avenatti in 2018.png

In March 2018, Avenatti filed a lawsuit on behalf of adult film actress Stormy Daniels seeking to invalidate a 2016 non-disclosure agreement regarding an alleged affair with Donald Trump in 2006, claiming that Daniels had been paid off by Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen not to disclose information covered by the NDA. The non-disclosure agreement had been negotiated in the final days of the 2016 U.S. Presidential campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/03/06/business/06reuters-usa-trump-daniels.html|title=Stormy Daniels Sues Trump Over 'Hush Agreement'|last=Hay|first=Andrew|date=March 6, 2018|access-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042121/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/03/06/business/06reuters-usa-trump-daniels.html|archive-date=March 8, 2018|url-status=dead|agency=Reuters|newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/porn-star-stormy-daniels-sues-president-trump/2018/03/06/1ad8e60a-21a7-11e8-a589-763893265565_story.html|title=Porn actress Stormy Daniels sues Trump, says hush agreement is null because he didn't sign it|last1=Reinhard|first1=Beth|last2=Sellers|first2=Frances Stead|date=March 6, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|last3=Brown|first3=Emma|url-access=limited|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505014621/https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/porn-star-stormy-daniels-sues-president-trump/2018/03/06/1ad8e60a-21a7-11e8-a589-763893265565_story.html|url-status=live}} Avenatti also represented Daniels in a related defamation suit against Trump. In October 2018, a federal judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit and ordered Daniels to pay Trump's legal fees.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/judge-throws-out-stormy-danielss-lawsuit-against-trump/2018/10/15/402935e8-d0cc-11e8-b2d2-f397227b43f0_story.html|title=Judge throws out Stormy Daniels's defamation lawsuit against Trump|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|access-date=November 12, 2018|archive-date=July 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708215946/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/judge-throws-out-stormy-danielss-lawsuit-against-trump/2018/10/15/402935e8-d0cc-11e8-b2d2-f397227b43f0_story.html|url-status=live}} Avenatti said he would appeal that decision; Daniels later said that Avenatti had initiated the suit against her wishes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/us/stormy-daniels-michael-avenatti.html|title=Stormy Daniels Says Michael Avenatti Filed Trump Defamation Suit Against Her Wishes|last=Stevens|first=Matt|date=November 28, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510195615/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/us/stormy-daniels-michael-avenatti.html|url-status=live}}

Avenatti was a frequent guest on talk shows and cable news programs to discuss the cases, logging 108 CNN and MSNBC appearances between March 7 and May 10, 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stormy-daniels-lawyer-michael-avenatti-ready-his-star-turn-n867771|title=Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti is ready for his star turn|last=Atkinson|first=Claire|date=April 20, 2018|work=NBCNews.com|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507051935/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stormy-daniels-lawyer-michael-avenatti-ready-his-star-turn-n867771|url-status=live}} He also gained a large following on Twitter; he ended his tweets about the case and other Trump-related matters with the Twitter hashtag "#basta" – the Italian word for "enough."{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-stormy-trump-20180407-story.html|title=Trump meets his match: Stormy Daniels' combative lawyer Michael Avenatti|author1=Michael Finnegan|author2=Maura Dolan|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903040826/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-stormy-trump-20180407-story.html|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, Avenatti released records showing multiple large payments, some from major corporations, into the bank account Cohen had used to pay Daniels.{{cite news|title=Michael Avenatti claims Michael Cohen received payments from firm controlled by Russian oligarch|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-lawyer-claims-cohen-received-payments-from-russian-oligarchs-company/|access-date=May 14, 2018|website=CBS News|date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410122937/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-lawyer-claims-cohen-received-payments-from-russian-oligarchs-company/|url-status=live}} Cohen's lawyers subsequently argued that some of the transactions released by Avenatti involved a different Michael Cohen, but they did not dispute the larger deposits.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.newsweek.com/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-wrong-person-bank-records-novartis-att-919029|title=Stormy Daniels's Attorney Michael Avenatti Got the Wrong Michael Cohen in Bank Records|last=Edevane|first=Gillian|date=May 10, 2018|magazine=Newsweek|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130185948/https://www.newsweek.com/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-wrong-person-bank-records-novartis-att-919029|url-status=live}} The US Treasury Department opened an investigation into how Avenatti gained information from Cohen's private bank records.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/09/michael-cohen-treasury-inspectors-investigate-leak-bank-records/596686002/|title=Treasury investigates possible leak of bank records for Trump lawyer Michael Cohen|last1=Korte|first1=Gregory|date=May 9, 2018|work=USA Today|access-date=May 28, 2018|last2=Schouten|first2=Fredreka|language=en|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129140658/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/09/michael-cohen-treasury-inspectors-investigate-leak-bank-records/596686002/|url-status=live}} Avenatti had also filed a motion to join the federal investigation of Michael Cohen. The federal judge issued Avenatti "a choice" that if he wanted to join, he would have to end what the judge called his "publicity tour" of TV appearances and tweets about the case.{{cite magazine |title=Stormy Daniels' Attorney Drops Motion to Represent Her in Michael Cohen Probe |url=https://time.com/5295578/michael-avenatti-dropped-stormy-daniels-case-end-publicity-tour/ |access-date=May 30, 2018 |magazine=Time |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814212300/https://time.com/5295578/michael-avenatti-dropped-stormy-daniels-case-end-publicity-tour/ |url-status=live }} Avenatti withdrew the motion, and appeared on MSNBC that same day.

In early March 2019, Daniels terminated her arrangement with Avenatti, replacing him with attorney Clark Brewster. Later that month, when federal charges against Avenatti were announced, she said, "Knowing what I know now about Michael, I'm saddened but not shocked regarding his arrest." Avenatti faces New York charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and embezzling almost $300,000 from Daniels.{{cite news |last1=Ramey |first1=Corinne |last2=O'Brien |first2=Rebecca Davis |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Michael Avenatti Ordered Jailed Until Trial |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/michael-avenatti-faces-new-federal-charges-in-california-11579113731 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709172424/https://www.wsj.com/articles/michael-avenatti-faces-new-federal-charges-in-california-11579113731 |url-status=live }} On June 2, 2022, Avenatti was sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding Daniels.

Avenatti provided a video to MSNBC, which aired on the June 25, 2018, episode of The Rachel Maddow Show, a "secretly shot" video of a child in the custody of immigration officials who was separated from her mother. The video was leaked by a former employee whom Avenatti represented.{{cite news |last1=Samuels |first1=Brett |title=Former migrant detention facility worker leaks footage from inside facility to MSNBC |url=https://thehill.com/latino/394095-former-migrant-detention-facility-worker-leaks-footage-from-inside-facility-to-msnbc/ |newspaper=The Hill |access-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106214601/https://thehill.com/latino/394095-former-migrant-detention-facility-worker-leaks-footage-from-inside-facility-to-msnbc |url-status=live }} The leaked video was part of the response to the Trump administration family separation policy.

{{Main|Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination}}

File:2018 09 26 letter by US Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats on affidavit of Julie Swetnick.png

In September 2018, as the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court was being evaluated in the Senate, two women accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct while in high school or college. Avenatti then announced that he had a client who made additional allegations against Kavanaugh as both a witness and a victim of his inappropriate behavior and that she would soon come forward publicly.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/24/politics/michael-avenatti-brett-kavanaugh-cnntv/index.html|title=Avenatti promises new Kavanaugh accuser to come forward in next 48 hours|last=Tatum|first=Sophie|date=September 25, 2018|work=CNN|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207055403/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/24/politics/michael-avenatti-brett-kavanaugh-cnntv/index.html|url-status=live}} On September 25, the woman was publicly identified by Avenatti as Julie Swetnick, a resident of Washington, D.C., and a 1980 graduate of Gaithersburg High School in Maryland. Swetnick claimed, in an unnotarized declaration, signed under penalty of perjury, that Kavanaugh, as a high school student in the early 1980s, drank excessively and engaged in physically aggressive behavior toward girls. She said he was present at parties where girls were drugged and gang-raped and that he participated in those activities. Swetnick also claimed she was gang-raped at a party where Kavanaugh was present, although he did not personally participate in the attack.{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/MichaelAvenatti/status/1044960428730843136/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1044960428730843136&ref_url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/26/michael-avenatti-identifies-kavanaugh-accuser-as-julie-swetnick.html|title=Michael Avenatti on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=September 26, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107130638/https://twitter.com/MichaelAvenatti/status/1044960428730843136/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1044960428730843136&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2018%2F09%2F26%2Fmichael-avenatti-identifies-kavanaugh-accuser-as-julie-swetnick.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/26/michael-avenatti-identifies-kavanaugh-accuser-as-julie-swetnick.html|title=New Kavanaugh accuser Julie Swetnick details parties where girls allegedly were drugged and raped|last=Breuninger|first=Dan Mangan, Kevin|date=September 26, 2018|work=CNBC|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926145328/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/26/michael-avenatti-identifies-kavanaugh-accuser-as-julie-swetnick.html|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh retorted, "I don't know who this is and this never happened." On September 26, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Chairman Grassley requesting "[i]n light of shocking new allegations detailed by Julie Swetnick" that the vote be immediately canceled and that Grassley should support either the reopening of the FBI investigation or the withdrawal of Kavanaugh's nomination. In an NBC interview, Swetnick provided the names of four people she alleged were friends who had gone to the parties with her – however, one is deceased and another claimed not to know her.{{cite news |title=Kavanaugh accuser Julie Swetnick speaks out on sexual abuse allegations |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/kavanaugh-accuser-julie-swetnick-speaks-out-on-sexual-abuse-allegations/ar-BBNPJks |date=September 26, 2018 |agency=NBC News |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004190048/https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/kavanaugh-accuser-julie-swetnick-speaks-out-on-sexual-abuse-allegations/ar-BBNPJks |url-status=live }}

Avenatti announced that he had a sworn declaration by another woman corroborating Swetnick's accusations. Subsequently, NBC News reported that the unnamed declarant told them on September 30 (before Michael Avenatti released her sworn statement on October 3 with her name redacted) that she never thought it was Kavanaugh spiking the punch and that she never witnessed him act inappropriately towards girls. In a text to NBC News on October 4, the unnamed accuser reiterated, "It is incorrect that I saw Brett spike the punch. I didn't see anyone spike the punch...I was very clear with Avenatti from day one," adding that she would never allow anyone to be abusive towards males or females in her presence. She also expressed that she had only given her sworn declaration a cursory look. The response to NBC News by Avenatti was that she read, signed, and repeatedly stood behind the sworn declaration. The unnamed declarant contacted NBC News on October 5 and reiterated her denial of ever seeing Kavanaugh spike punch or act inappropriately toward women, and accused Avenatti of twisting her words.{{cite news |last1=Snow |first1=Kate |last2=Schecter |first2=Anna |title=New questions raised about Avenatti claims regarding Kavanaugh |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/new-questions-raised-about-avenatti-claims-regarding-kavanaugh-n924596 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |work=NBC News |date=October 25, 2018 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027004101/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/new-questions-raised-about-avenatti-claims-regarding-kavanaugh-n924596 |url-status=live }}

Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court by a margin of 50–48, mostly along party lines. Democratic Senators blamed Avenatti as the Swetnick accusation "gave Republicans an opportunity to shift the narrative away from Ford's allegations and make a broader case that the growing accusations of sexual misconduct amounted to an orchestrated Democratic smear campaign". Senator Susan Collins, a Republican swing vote, called the Swetnick allegation "outlandish...[without] any credible supporting evidence", and ended up supporting Kavanaugh's nomination. Senator Gary Peters said that Avenatti's allegation "turns [sic] it into a circus atmosphere and certainly that's not where we should be", while another Senate aide said that "Democrats and the country would have been better off if Mr. Avenatti spent his time on his Iowa vanity project rather than meddling in Supreme Court fights". Avenatti fired back, criticizing anonymous Democrats as "cowards", arguing that this showed "failed leadership" in the Democratic Party.{{cite web | url = https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/06/politics/democrats-avenatti-swetnick-accusation/index.html | first1 = Manu | last1 = Raju | title = Democrats say Avenatti undercut their case against Kavanaugh | work = CNN Politics | date = October 8, 2018 | access-date = October 6, 2018 | archive-date = October 23, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181023133137/https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/06/politics/democrats-avenatti-swetnick-accusation/index.html | url-status = live }}

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley referred Avenatti and Swetnick to the Department of Justice for a possible criminal investigation over allegations they made false statements to Congress about now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Avenatti called the referral "completely baseless."{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/25/politics/julie-swetnick-justice-department-judiciary-committee/index.html|title=Judiciary chairman refers Swetnick, Avenatti to Justice Department|last=de Vogue|first=Ariane|date=October 25, 2018|website=CNN|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108023514/https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/25/politics/julie-swetnick-justice-department-judiciary-committee/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/413153-grassley-refers-swetnick-avenatti-to-justice-dept-for-investigation/|title=Grassley refers Swetnick, Avenatti to Justice Dept. for investigation|last=Carney|first=Jordain|date=October 25, 2018|newspaper=The Hill|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810094717/https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/413153-grassley-refers-swetnick-avenatti-to-justice-dept-for-investigation|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/grassley-refers-avenatti-and-swetnick-to-justice-for-a-criminal-probe/2018/10/25/75ef7a02-d879-11e8-9559-712cbf726d1c_story.html|title=Grassley refers Avenatti and Swetnick to Justice for a criminal probe|last=Viebeck|first=Elise|date=October 25, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108204850/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/grassley-refers-avenatti-and-swetnick-to-justice-for-a-criminal-probe/2018/10/25/75ef7a02-d879-11e8-9559-712cbf726d1c_story.html|url-status=live}}

In February 2019, Avenatti provided Cook County State's Attorney's Office with a tape of R. Kelly having sex with an underage girl, which he received from a whistleblower whom he was representing.{{Cite web |last=Sidner |first=Sara |date=2019-02-14 |title=CNN has seen tape Avenatti says shows R. Kelly having sex with underage girl |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/14/entertainment/r-kelly-investigation/index.html |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019174803/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/14/entertainment/r-kelly-investigation/index.html |url-status=live }} The video would later be used in a criminal trial against Kelly.{{Cite web |title='Are you having a good time?' Withering cross-examination for alleged R. Kelly fixer paid to recover sex tapes |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-r-kelly-chicago-federal-trial-day-8-20220824-nnxpdlhyjjdvnklucoucb4rvzm-story.html |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926194918/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-r-kelly-chicago-federal-trial-day-8-20220824-nnxpdlhyjjdvnklucoucb4rvzm-story.html |url-status=live }}  In March 2019, Avenatti represented six different people with links to Kelly including two alleged victims, two whistleblowers, and two parents of the victims.{{Cite web |last=Kirkl |first=Justin |date=2019-03-06 |title=Why Is Michael Avenatti Involved in the R. Kelly Case? |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a26586214/michael-avenatti-r-kelly-explained/ |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=Esquire |language=en-US |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506014801/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a26586214/michael-avenatti-r-kelly-explained/ |url-status=live }} Avenatti accused Kelly of violating the terms of his bail release, but Avenatti's comments led to no legal trouble for Kelly. Avenatti also criticized Kelly's interview with Gayle King in a series of tweets.

Avenatti expressed interest in running for President of the United States in 2020; he started a political action committee,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/us/politics/michael-avenatti-president.html|title=Michael Avenatti, Stormy Daniels's Lawyer, Eyes Another Gig: President|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018|language=en|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819160809/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/us/politics/michael-avenatti-president.html|url-status=live|last1=Martin |first1=Jonathan }}{{cite news |last1=Jennifer Epstein |last2=John McCormick |title=Avenatti Says He's Serious About Running Against Trump in 2020 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-28/stormy-daniels-lawyer-says-he-s-serious-about-a-2020-campaign |access-date=April 11, 2019 |work=Bloomberg News |date=28 August 2018 |quote=Last week alone, Michael Avenatti hobnobbed with Democratic National Committee leaders in Chicago, started a political action committee to raise money for Democratic congressional candidates, and met with David Axelrod, former President Barack Obama's strategist. |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235633/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-28/stormy-daniels-lawyer-says-he-s-serious-about-a-2020-campaign |url-status=live }} and held his first fundraiser at the Democratic Wing Ding in August.{{cite news |last1=Maggie Astor |title=Michael Avenatti Urges Democrats to Reject Michelle Obama's Advice on Trump |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/us/politics/michael-avenatti-michelle-obama-trump.html |access-date=March 26, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 11, 2018 |issue=August 10, 2019 |quote=his keynote speech Friday night at the Democratic Wing Ding, a party fund-raiser in northern Iowa |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915211924/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/us/politics/michael-avenatti-michelle-obama-trump.html |url-status=live }} In September 2018, Avenatti said he would run in 2020 only against Trump or Pence.{{Citation|last=CBC News: The National|title=Lawyer for Stormy Daniels considers running for president|date=September 10, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DpHHB6nAbw&t=9m53s|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107020200/https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=youtube&uilel=3&passive=true&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fsignin%3Faction_handle_signin%3Dtrue%26app%3Ddesktop%26hl%3Den%26next%3D%252Fsignin_passive%26feature%3Dpassive&hl=en|url-status=live}} On November 1, 2018, Avenatti released his first political ad, which urged Americans to vote on November 6, 2018;{{cite news |last=Koreck |first=Natasha |title=Avenatti launches his first political ad – The attorney wouldn't say how much he's spending on the digital spot that will run on Facebook and Twitter. |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/01/avenatti-political-ad-953758 |date=November 1, 2018 |work=Politico |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710081427/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/01/avenatti-political-ad-953758 |url-status=live }} The Washington Post ranked him a top 15 contender.{{cite news |last1=Aaron Blake |title=The top 15 Democratic presidential candidates for 2020, ranked |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/09/top-democratic-presidential-candidates-ranked/ |access-date=March 26, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 9, 2019 |quote=Democrats are starting to warm to his brash, in-your-face style |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113204307/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/09/top-democratic-presidential-candidates-ranked/ |url-status=live }} On December 4, 2018, Avenatti announced that he would not be a candidate for president of the United States in 2020. In a Twitter post, he announced, "I do not make this decision lightly – I make it out of respect for my family."{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/04/michael-avenatti-announces-he-will-not-run-for-president-in-2020.html|title=Michael Avenatti announces he will not run for president in 2020|work=CNBC|author=Dan Mangan|date=December 4, 2018|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204214832/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/04/michael-avenatti-announces-he-will-not-run-for-president-in-2020.html|url-status=live}}

In November 2018, Avenatti was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.{{cite web |last1=Matthews |first1=Dylan |title=Michael Avenatti has reportedly been arrested for domestic violence |url=https://www.vox.com/2018/11/14/18095836/michael-avenatti-domestic-violence-arrest-stormy-daniels-2020-president |date=November 14, 2018 |website=Vox |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121120756/https://www.vox.com/2018/11/14/18095836/michael-avenatti-domestic-violence-arrest-stormy-daniels-2020-president |url-status=live }} The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) later confirmed Avenatti was arrested for felony domestic violence and his bail was set at $50,000.{{cite web |title=LA Police Department |url=https://twitter.com/LAPDHQ/status/1062876803587432448 |website=Official Twitter |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708200852/https://twitter.com/LAPDHQ/status/1062876803587432448 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Michael Avenatti arrested on suspicion of domestic violence: LAPD |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/michael-avenatti-arrested-on-suspicion-of-domestic-violence-lapd |access-date=November 15, 2018 |work=Fox News |archive-date=September 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911000101/https://www.foxnews.com/us/michael-avenatti-arrested-on-suspicion-of-domestic-violence-lapd |url-status=live }} An LAPD spokesperson said that the unidentified victim, at the time, later described as his girlfriend, had "visible injuries" and that the case would be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for prosecution. Minutes after the reports of Avenatti's arrest, the Twitter account of Surefire Intelligence, a company created by Jacob Wohl,{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/15/michael-avenatti-arrested-suspicion-domestic-violence/|title=Michael Avenatti arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, calls allegations 'completely bogus'|last1=Viebeck|first1=Elise|date=November 15, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217083813/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/15/michael-avenatti-arrested-suspicion-domestic-violence/|archive-date=December 17, 2018|url-status=live|last2=Rosenberg|first2=Eli|last3=Paul|first3=Deanna|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2018/11/16/michael-avenatti-was-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges-and-then-things-got-weird/|title=Michael Avenatti Was Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges, And Then Things Got Weird|last=Palma|first=Bethania|date=November 16, 2018|website=Snopes|language=en-US|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212107/https://www.snopes.com/news/2018/11/16/michael-avenatti-was-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges-and-then-things-got-weird/|url-status=live}} seemingly claimed responsibility for the arrest, tweeting a news story about it and adding "Surefire Intelligence strikes again."{{cite web|url=https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/if-surefire-intelligence-really-was-behind-false-avenatti-police-report-jacob-wohl-could-be-in-deep-trouble/|title=If Surefire Intelligence Really Was Behind False Avenatti Police Report, Jacob Wohl Could Be in Deep Trouble|last=Naham|first=Matt|date=November 15, 2018|website=Law & Crime|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116010027/https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/if-surefire-intelligence-really-was-behind-false-avenatti-police-report-jacob-wohl-could-be-in-deep-trouble/|archive-date=November 16, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=November 15, 2018|df=mdy-all}}

Later in November, actress Mareli Miniutti's name was released as the woman alleging domestic violence.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-20 |title=Actress Granted Domestic Violence Restraining Order Against Michael Avenatti |url=https://theblast.com/c/michael-avenatti-actress-files-domestic-violence-restraining-order/ |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=The Blast |language=en-US |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125181229/https://theblast.com/c/michael-avenatti-actress-files-domestic-violence-restraining-order/ |url-status=live }} The filing stated that Miniutti and Avenatti had been residing together, and alleged that they had gotten into an argument over money before Avenatti hit her in the face with pillows and dragged her across their apartment floor.{{Cite web |title=Michael Avenatti won't be charged for alleged domestic violence at this time |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/michael-avenatti-charged-alleged-domestic-violence-time/story?id=60791661 |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130102616/https://abcnews.go.com/US/michael-avenatti-charged-alleged-domestic-violence-time/story?id=60791661 |url-status=live }}

Avenatti called the allegations "completely bogus" and "fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation."{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaite.com/online/michael-avenatti-denies-alleged-domestic-violence-ive-never-been-physically-abusive-in-my-life/|title=Avenatti Denies 'Fabricated' Allegations of Domestic Violence: I've Never Been 'Physically Abusive in My Life'|website=www.mediaite.com|date=November 15, 2018|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115071247/https://www.mediaite.com/online/michael-avenatti-denies-alleged-domestic-violence-ive-never-been-physically-abusive-in-my-life/|url-status=live}} Both of his ex-wives issued statements that Avenatti had never been violent toward either of them. The county district attorney declined to press charges, and referred the case to the city attorney for possible misdemeanor charges.{{cite news | last=Lee | first=Michelle Ye Hee | title=Los Angeles prosecutors decline to file felony domestic abuse charges against Michael Avenatti | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=November 21, 2018 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/los-angeles-prosecutors-decline-to-file-felony-domestic-abuse-charges-against-michael-avenatti/2018/11/21/c8ac3024-edd6-11e8-96d4-0d23f2aaad09_story.html | access-date=November 22, 2018 | archive-date=November 22, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122024257/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/los-angeles-prosecutors-decline-to-file-felony-domestic-abuse-charges-against-michael-avenatti/2018/11/21/c8ac3024-edd6-11e8-96d4-0d23f2aaad09_story.html | url-status=live }} On February 1, 2019, the city attorney's office announced that their investigation was complete, and that Avenatti would not be charged.{{cite news |last=Stack |first=Liam |date=February 1, 2019 |title=Michael Avenatti Will Not Be Charged With Domestic Violence, Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/01/us/michael-avenatti-domestic-violence.html |newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York, NY |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209142646/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/01/us/michael-avenatti-domestic-violence.html |url-status=live }}

Avenatti's settlement offers in his suit against Nike became so overly aggressive that the prosecutors of his case contended that he was engaging in extortion.{{Cite web |title=Extortion vs. Settlement Negotiations {{!}} Blogs {{!}} Labor & Employment Law Perspectives {{!}} Foley & Lardner LLP |url=https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2019/04/extortion-vs-settlement-negotiations |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=www.foley.com |date=April 2019 |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207233034/https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2019/04/extortion-vs-settlement-negotiations |url-status=live }} Nike had agreed to pay a coach damages to settle a case; however, Avenatti concealed this from the coach because Nike's offer didn't include attorney's fees.{{Cite news |date=2019-11-14 |title=Michael Avenatti faces new fraud charge in Nike extortion case |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-avenatti-idUSKBN1XO047 |access-date=2022-12-19 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219080447/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-avenatti-idUSKBN1XO047 |url-status=live }}

On March 25, 2019, Avenatti was arrested in New York City, and federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York announced that they were charging Avenatti with attempting to extort up to $25 million from U.S. athletic apparel and shoe company Nike by threatening to make damaging charges against the company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-avenatti-charged-nike-extortion-2019-3|title=Michael Avenatti charged for attempting to extort more than $20 million from Nike|last=Sheth|first=Sonam|website=Business Insider|access-date=March 25, 2019|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208045718/https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-avenatti-charged-nike-extortion-2019-3|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/michael-avenatti-accused-of-trying-to-extort-nike-for-up-to-25m-feds-say|title=Michael Avenatti accused of trying to extort Nike for up to $25M, feds say|last1=Sang|first1=Lucia Suarez|last2=Chamberlain|first2=Samuel|date=March 25, 2019|work=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=March 26, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912195625/https://www.foxnews.com/us/michael-avenatti-accused-of-trying-to-extort-nike-for-up-to-25m-feds-say|url-status=live}} Avenatti allegedly claimed that Nike improperly made payments to families of high school basketball players.{{cite news |date=March 25, 2019 |title=5 of the Most Explosive Details From the Michael Avenatti-Nike Extortion Case |first=Sheena |last=Butler-Young |publisher=Fairchild Publications |work=Footwear News |url=https://footwearnews.com/2019/business/legal-news/michael-avenatti-nike-extortion-scandal-details-allegations-1202764390/ |access-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226154540/https://footwearnews.com/2019/business/legal-news/michael-avenatti-nike-extortion-scandal-details-allegations-1202764390/ |url-status=live }} The arrest came about 15 minutes after Avenatti announced he would be holding a press conference the next day, at which he claimed he would reveal information about a high school and college basketball scandal involving Nike.

During the afternoon of March 25, Avenatti and an unnamed co-conspirator were scheduled to meet with lawyers from Nike, at which prosecutors allege he would have offered to cancel the press conference in exchange for payment.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/michael-avenatti-to-be-charged-with-wire-and-bank-fraud.html|title=Stormy Daniels' ex-lawyer Michael Avenatti arrested for alleged $20 million extortion scheme against Nike, embezzling client's money, defrauding bank|last1=Mangan|first1=Dan|last2=Breuninger|first2=Kevin|date=March 25, 2019|work=CNBC|access-date=March 25, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020172153/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/michael-avenatti-to-be-charged-with-wire-and-bank-fraud.html|url-status=live}} Avenatti's suspected co-conspirator was identified as Mark Geragos. Avenatti was released on a $300,000 bond that evening.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/michael-avenatti-charged/index.html|title=Lawyer Michael Avenatti charged: Live updates|date=March 25, 2019|website=CNN|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2019|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003175304/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/michael-avenatti-charged/index.html|url-status=live}}

On February 14, 2020, Avenatti was found guilty on all three counts related to the attempted extortion of Nike.{{Cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/judge-sets-may-sentencing-for-michael-avenatti-in-nike-case/ar-BB1cFbBT |title=Judge sets May sentencing for Michael Avenatti in Nike case |date=January 12, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |location=New York |via=MSN |access-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112123902/http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/judge-sets-may-sentencing-for-michael-avenatti-in-nike-case/ar-BB1cFbBT |url-status=live }} He faced potentially more than 40 years in prison. On July 8, 2021, Judge Paul G. Gardephe sentenced him to 30 months in prison.

Also, on March 25, 2019, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Nicola T. Hanna, announced in Los Angeles the filing of a 197-page complaint accusing Avenatti of wire fraud and bank fraud. The indictment said that Avenatti had embezzled money from a client and had defrauded a Mississippi bank by submitting false tax returns to obtain more than $4 million in loans. Prosecutors also alleged that Avenatti had not filed personal tax returns for the years in question.{{cite news|title=Lawyer Michael Avenatti arrested, faces wire fraud and bank fraud charges|date=March 25, 2019|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}

On April 10, 2019, Avenatti was charged by a federal grand jury in Santa Ana, California with embezzling funds that his client, NBA player Hassan Whiteside, had wired to him in January 2017 to pay a settlement to his ex-girlfriend. Avenatti was accused of withholding client funds and applying most of the settlement money of $1.75 million, along with his included $1 million fees, to invest $2.5 million in a share of a private jet. He was further accused of misrepresenting Whiteside's settlement payment as monthly installments, which he paid out until June 2018, totaling $194,000. Federal agents subsequently seized a Honda HA-420 twin-engine jet from Santa Barbara Airport co-owned by Avenatti and former client, Indigo Systems co-founder William J. Parrish, as the latter was about to embark on a flight. Parrish successfully sued Avenatti in 2017 for $2.1 million for failure to repay a 2013 loan. Avenatti had not appeared in court to defend himself and appealed that judgment. Avenatti denies the charges.{{cite news |title=Avenatti accused of embezzling nearly $2 million that NBA player paid ex-girlfriend |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-hassan-whiteside-embezzlement-20190421-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827101349/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-avenatti-hassan-whiteside-embezzlement-20190421-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/04/22/michael-avenattis-alleged-embezzlement-included-millions-heats-hassan-whiteside/ | title = Michael Avenatti's alleged embezzlement included payment from Heat's Hassan Whiteside | first1 = Des | last1 = Bieler | date = April 22, 2019 | newspaper = Washington Post | access-date = April 23, 2019 | archive-date = September 25, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200925075855/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/04/22/michael-avenattis-alleged-embezzlement-included-millions-heats-hassan-whiteside/ | url-status = live }}

On April 11, 2019, 36 additional financial crime charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/11/politics/michael-avenatti-indicted-los-angeles/index.html|title=Michael Avenatti indicted on 36 counts|last=Orden|first=Erica|website=CNN|date=April 11, 2019|access-date=April 11, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709233325/https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/11/politics/michael-avenatti-indicted-los-angeles/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-avenatti/lawyer-avenatti-charged-in-california-with-u-s-fraud-tax-crimes-idUSKCN1RN23B | title = Avenatti, lawyer known as Trump foe, indicted for financial crimes | first1 = Jonathan | last1 = Allen | work = Reuters | date = April 11, 2019 | access-date = April 11, 2019 | archive-date = November 7, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235914/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-crime-avenatti/lawyer-avenatti-charged-in-california-with-u-s-fraud-tax-crimes-idUSKCN1RN23B | url-status = live }} Avenatti is accused of stealing money from clients to purchase a $5 million private jet he co-owned, as well as fraud related to tax documents and banking information.{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 11, 2019|access-date=April 11, 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/11/michael-avenatti-hit-with-federal-charges-including-tax-fraud-embezzlement-report-says/|title=Michael Avenatti charged with stealing millions from clients, using 'ill-gotten gains' for a private jet|first1=Lindsey|last1=Bever|first2=Devlin|last2=Barrett|first3=Mark|last3=Berman|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201225731/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/11/michael-avenatti-hit-with-federal-charges-including-tax-fraud-embezzlement-report-says/|url-status=live}} According to U.S. Attorney Hanna, "[m]oney generated from one set of crimes was used to further other crimes, typically in the form of payments designed to string along victims." The purpose of his crimes was "to prevent Mr. Avenatti's financial house of cards from collapsing." Vowing to "fully fight" the additional charges and appealing to the public to presume his innocence, Avenatti stated on Twitter that "For 20 years, I have represented Davids vs. Goliaths and relied on due process and our system of justice. Along the way, I have made many powerful enemies."

Avenatti pleaded guilty on June 16, 2022, and on December 5, 2022, he was sentenced by James V. Selna in a California federal court to 14 years in prison for wire fraud as well as obstruction against the IRS in their effort to collect $5 million in unpaid payroll taxes for Tully's Coffee.{{cite news | last=Cole | first=Devan | title=Michael Avenatti sentenced to 14 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from clients | date=December 5, 2022 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/politics/michael-avenatti-prison-sentence-client-embezzlement/index.html | quote=Disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti was sentenced Monday to 14 years in prison for embezzling millions of dollars from four of his clients and obstruction. Avenatti pleaded guilty earlier this year to four counts of wire fraud for each client he stole from and one count of endeavoring to obstruct the administration of the Internal Revenue Code. Prosecutors said he obstructed the IRS' effort to collect $5 million in unpaid payroll taxes for Tully's Coffee. | access-date=December 5, 2022 | archive-date=December 5, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205212335/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/politics/michael-avenatti-prison-sentence-client-embezzlement/index.html | url-status=live }} Avenatti, registration number 86743-054, is currently incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, and is scheduled for release from the Bureau of Prisons on July 31, 2035.{{cite web | url=https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results | title=BOP: Federal Inmates by Name | access-date=April 30, 2024 | archive-date=June 23, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623184137/https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results | url-status=live }}

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the sentence on October 23, 2024, because the sentence was based on a greater loss than the actual loss suffered, and sent the matter back down for resentencing.

On May 22, 2019, Avenatti was charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft as a result of allegations that he stole money from former client Stormy Daniels while helping negotiate her 2018 book deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/22/politics/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-indictment/index.html|title=Michael Avenatti charged with stealing $300,000 from former client Stormy Daniels|last=Orden|first=Erica|date=May 22, 2019|work=CNN|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710000814/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/22/politics/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-indictment/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Avenatti pleads not guilty to defrauding Stormy Daniels |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/avenatti-pleads-not-guilty-to-defrauding-stormy-daniels |work=PBS |access-date=May 28, 2019 |date=May 28, 2019 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709131855/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/avenatti-pleads-not-guilty-to-defrauding-stormy-daniels |url-status=live }} Avenatti pleaded not guilty. Avenatti was released on a $300,000 bail bond on the conditions that he notify authorities of any travel plans and that he have no contact with Daniels.

On February 4, 2022, Avenatti was convicted in a New York federal court of identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from Daniels. He was ordered to surrender to U.S. Marshals by February 7.{{cite news |last1=del Valle |first1=Lauren |last2=Scannell |first2=Kara |date=2022-02-04 |title=Michael Avenatti convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for stealing from Stormy Daniels |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/04/politics/michael-avenatti/index.html |accessdate=2022-02-04 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205075426/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/04/politics/michael-avenatti/index.html |url-status=live }} In May 2022, Avenatti's attorneys submitted a letter of apology to Daniels saying he was "truly sorry", and that he failed her in many respects.{{Cite web |title=Avenatti, facing sentencing, apologizes to Stormy Daniels |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/avenatti-facing-sentencing-apologizes-stormy-daniels-84866231 |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521195711/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/avenatti-facing-sentencing-apologizes-stormy-daniels-84866231 |url-status=live }}

On June 2, 2022, Avenatti was sentenced to four years in prison with {{frac|2|1|2}} years consecutive to the {{frac|2|1|2}} years he is already serving from his previous fraud conviction.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/avenatti-sentencing-stormy-daniels-c47363691fabf66b36c80f96181c4d71 | title=Avenatti gets 4 years in prison for cheating Stormy Daniels | website=Associated Press | date=June 2, 2022 | access-date=June 2, 2022 | archive-date=June 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606020056/https://apnews.com/article/avenatti-sentencing-stormy-daniels-c47363691fabf66b36c80f96181c4d71 | url-status=live }}

On June 5, 2019, the State Bar of California filed with the California State Bar Court a 573-page application under the California Business and Professions Code section 6007(c)(2), to involuntarily enroll Avenatti as an inactive member of the bar.Matter of Michael John Avenatti, Case Number SBC-19-TE-30258,

{{cite report

|url=http://members.calbar.ca.gov/courtDocs/19-TE-30259-2.pdf

|title=Corrected Application for Involuntary Inactive Enrollment

|date = June 5, 2019

| website = State Bar of California

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200526054453/http://members.calbar.ca.gov/courtDocs/19-TE-30259-2.pdf

| archive-date = 2020-05-26

| url-status = live}} The State Bar Court is the court that decides whether a California attorney committed professional misconduct worthy of discipline, up to and including disbarment. The State Bar contends that the evidence submitted with the petition establishes that Avenatti has committed professional misconduct that has caused or is causing substantial harm to Avenatti's clients or the public. There is a substantial probability that Avenatti's professional misconduct will result in his disbarment. If the State Bar Court finds sufficient evidence to place Avenatti on involuntary inactive enrollment, the State Bar must initiate disciplinary proceedings within 45 days of the effective date of the order. If the State Bar Court rules on disbarment, the California Supreme Court must review and approve it.{{cite web |title=Rules of Procedure of the State Bar of California |url=https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules_Title5_Procedure.pdf |website=State Bar of California |access-date=11 June 2019 |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221043158/http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules_Title5_Procedure.pdf |url-status=live }}

Avenatti was disbarred on February 5, 2025.{{Cite web|url=http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/Licensee/Detail/206929|title=Michael John Avenatti #206929 - Attorney Licensee Search|website=State Bar of California|via=members.calbar.ca.gov|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020151153/http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/Licensee/Detail/206929|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/383514-march-2025|title=March 2025|last=Repa|first=Barbara Kate|work=Daily Journal|date=March 3, 2025|access-date=March 26, 2025}}

Avenatti was again arrested on January 14, 2020, during a recess in court for his disbarment proceedings, for violating the terms of a previous release, and was expected to appear in federal court in Santa Ana, California, on January 15.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/michael-avenatti-arrested-by-feds-at-california-state-bar-hearing|title=Michael Avenatti Arrested by Feds at California State Bar Hearing|work=The Daily Beast|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 15, 2020|last=McGahan|first=Jason|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507213102/https://www.thedailybeast.com/michael-avenatti-arrested-by-feds-at-california-state-bar-hearing|url-status=live}}

According to The Wall Street Journal, Avenatti was scheduled to face trial in New York on charges of attempting to extort millions from Nike when a federal judge in California ordered him jailed until his trial in California. Prosecutors in California accused Avenatti of violating the conditions of his release by committing a series of financial crimes while free on bond: structuring currency transactions to avoid reporting requirements and concealing his personal assets from his creditors. U.S. Marshals were prepared to take Avenatti to Manhattan as early as January 17, 2020, for his trial on the New York charges. Avenatti's trial on the California charges was scheduled for the following May.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

File:2015 Honda HA-420 HondaJet 42000029 by D Ramey Logan.jpg N227WP co-owned by Avenatti]]

Avenatti was married for 13 years to Christine Carlin, with whom he has two daughters.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/magazine/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-donald-trump-media.html|title=The Fast and Furious Michael Avenatti|last=Shaer|first=Matthew|date=July 10, 2018|magazine=The New York Times Magazine|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105055700/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/magazine/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-donald-trump-media.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newsweek.com/michael-avenatti-denies-domestic-abuse-allegation-i-did-not-strike-my-ex-wife-1216461|title=Michael Avenatti Denies Domestic Abuse Allegation|last=Croucher|first=Shane|date=November 15, 2018|magazine=Newsweek|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=September 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904013110/https://www.newsweek.com/michael-avenatti-denies-domestic-abuse-allegation-i-did-not-strike-my-ex-wife-1216461|url-status=live}}

He married Lisa Storie in 2011. They have one son. Lisa Storie-Avenatti filed for divorce in December 2017.{{cite news|last1=Folmer|first1=Kaitlyn|last2=Francescani|first2=Chris|title=Lawyer Michael Avenatti could owe his estranged wife and child $1.5 million in spousal and child support: Court records|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/lawyer-michael-avenatti-owe-wife-child-15-million/story?id=59749312|work=ABC News|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128203658/https://abcnews.go.com/US/lawyer-michael-avenatti-owe-wife-child-15-million/story?id=59749312|url-status=live}} On November 30, 2018, the couple signed a temporary agreement which required Avenatti to sign over certain possessions and pay $40,000 a month in family support, with the first payment being due by December 3, 2018. In December 2018, it was reported that Avenatti had agreed to pay Lisa $1,947,540 in child and spousal support, and to transfer ownership of several assets to her, including five luxury wristwatches, a Frank Gehry sculpture, other artwork, and a leased 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider, while his law firm would transfer to Lisa its interest in a 2015 Honda private jet. He responded to the reports, calling them "bogus".{{cite news |author1=Bill Bostock |title=Michael Avenatti reportedly will turn over cars, watches, and a jet to pay nearly $2 million to his estranged wife as part of their divorce agreement |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/avenatti-loses-thousands-in-lisa-storie-divorce-ferrari-watches-report-2018-12 |work=Business Insider |access-date=May 23, 2019 |date=6 December 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209074733/https://www.businessinsider.com/avenatti-loses-thousands-in-lisa-storie-divorce-ferrari-watches-report-2018-12 |url-status=live }} The jet was later confiscated by federal agents at the Santa Barbara airport on April 10, 2019, during an asset seizure based on the tax, wire, and bankruptcy fraud indictment filed in the U.S. Central District Court of California.{{cite news |author1=William La Jeunesse |author2=Paulina Dedaj |title=Feds seize $4.5 million Avenatti plane amid tax scandal |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/feds-seize-4-5-million-avenatti-plane-amid-tax-scandal |access-date=May 23, 2019 |work=Fox News |date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816061702/https://www.foxnews.com/us/feds-seize-4-5-million-avenatti-plane-amid-tax-scandal |url-status=live }}

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