Michael Avenatti pleads not guilty to charges of stealing nearly $300K from adult film actress Stormy Daniels
When he represented Stormy Daniels in her public battle against President Trump, Michael Avenatti showed up at federal court in Manhattan several times to make a scene. On Tuesday, he cut a lower profile as pleaded not guilty to charges that he stole her book advance that was worth nearly $300,000.
Avenatti, in a dark blue suit, light blue shirt and blue tie, said nothing during the brief arraignment. The not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf by federal defender Sylvia Levine. Avenatti signaled he expects to hire private counsel going forward.
He was released on a $300,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with Daniels.
Avenatti, 48, also faced arraignment in a separate case involving Nike.
"100 percent not guilty," Avenatti repeated four times to the judge during his arraignment on a four-count indictment for extorting Nike of millions of dollars.
He told reporters outside of court, "For 20 years I've represented Davids versus Goliaths across this nation, in many courthouses just like this. I am now facing the fight of my life against the greatest Goliath of them all, the Trump administration. I intend on fighting these charges and I look forward to a jury verdict in each of these cases and am confident that when my peers passes judgment on my conduct, that justice will be done and I'll be fully exonerated."
Avenatti is expected back in court for both cases on June 18.
