Michael Avenatti has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and was booked Wednesday evening.
Avenatti was taken into custody and released Wednesday after a police report was filed by an unidentified victim in Century City, according to KNBC-TV. Police had responded to a domestic violence incident a day earlier and took a report.
When he walked out of the police station Wednesday, Avenatti told reporters he “has never struck a woman.”
He said he has been an advocate for women’s rights and would never disrespect his children by “touching a woman inappropriately.”
Avenatti said he’s confident he will be fully exonerated after police complete a thorough investigation.
Los Angeles police confirmed that Avenatti was arrested Wednesday afternoon and his bail was set at $50,000.
Officer Tony Im, a police spokesman, said the victim had visible injuries. He declined to provide details about the victim’s relationship to Avenatti.
Avenatti disputed the allegations in a statement obtained by Buzzfeed News:
"I wish to thank the hard working men and woman of the LAPD for their professionalism they were only doing their jobs in light of the completely bogus allegations against me. I have never been physically abusive in my life nor was I last night. Any accusations to the contrary are fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation. I look forward to being fully exonerated."
Avenatti's first wife, Christine Avenatti-Carlin, also provided a statement to Buzzfeed saying that "He is a very good man."
"I've known Michael for the last 26 years. We met when he was 21 years old and we were married for 13 years. Michael has always been a loving kind father to our two daughters and husband. He has never been abusive to me or anyone else. He is a very good man."
The Vermont Democratic Party canceled a weekend appearance by Avenatti following Wednesday's report.
Avenatti has represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her court battle with President Donald Trump.
Avenatti is also mulling a 2020 presidential run.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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