Michael Avenatti’s Lawyers Plan to Bring Up Trump, Stormy Daniels in Nike Case
Embattled lawyer Michael Avenatti, who is accused of trying to extort Nike for more than $20 million, will face trial in Manhattan federal court next week—despite his lawyers’ efforts to delay the criminal proceedings further.
During a hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors and defense lawyers argued over what evidence of Avenatti’s debts, including millions in judgments and tax warrants, was admissible. They also sparred over the defense’s plans to mention adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during opening arguments. Avenatti catapulted to fame in 2018 after representing Daniels in her legal tangles with President Trump and his fixer, Michael Cohen. He even fancied himself a Democratic presidential candidate who would defeat Trump.
But prosecutors said they wanted to keep Stormy’s name (and President Trump’s) out of opening remarks, which could begin late Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.