Celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti spoke with reporters Wednesday night after his sudden arrest on charges of ‘Felony Domestic Violence,’ saying he would “never strike a woman” and will be “fully exonerated” in time.
“I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing,” said Michael Avenatti Wednesday night after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence earlier in the day. https://t.co/WtVskGeTxu pic.twitter.com/p9lTq2BFIH
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 15, 2018
“I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman. I have been an advocate for women’s rights my entire career and I’m going to continue being an advocate. I’m not going to be intimidated from stopping what I’m doing,” said Avenatti.
“I’m the father to two beautiful, smart daughters. I would never disrespect them by touching a woman inappropriately or striking a woman. I am looking forward to a full investigation at which point I am confident I will be fully exonerated,” he added.
BACKLASH: NBC Anchor Says Michael Avenatti May Have ‘MISLED’ Network over Kavanaugh Accusation
NBC News anchor Chuck Todd accused lawyer and potential 2020 candidate Michael Avenatti of potentially “misleading” his network over accusations of sexual misconduct against Judge Brett Kavanaugh this week; adding the “evidence points that way.”
“Was this an intentional attempt to mislead our reporters? Evidence points that way,” posted the anchor on social media, referencing an NBC report that raised “new questions” over Avenatti’s behavior.
Was this an intentional attempt to mislead our reporters? Evidence points that way… https://t.co/MOxE8WiGK4
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) October 26, 2018
Todd’s comments come just hours after Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley referred Avenatti to the Department of Justice for making false statements during Kavanaugh’s brutal confirmation battle.
DEVELOPING: Sen. Grassley Refers Michael Avenatti to DOJ for ‘Criminal Investigation’
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley officially referred Michael Avenatti to the Department of Justice for a “criminal investigation” Thursday, saying the lawyer made “false statements” during his committee’s probe into allegations of sexual assault by Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
Grassley fired off the scathing letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray; claiming Avenatti should be investigated for the “materially false statements they made to” Congressional leaders.
Senate Judiciary Refers Swetnick, Avenatti for Criminal Investigation Into False Kavanaugh Allegations https://t.co/uaArOMyZgR
— Senate Judiciary (@senjudiciary) October 25, 2018
“When a well-meaning citizen comes forward with information relevant to the committee’s work, I take it seriously. It takes courage to come forward, especially with allegations of sexual misconduct or personal trauma. I’m grateful for those who find that courage,” Grassley said in a statement. “But in the heat of partisan moments, some do try to knowingly mislead the committee. That’s unfair to my colleagues, the nominees and others providing information who are seeking the truth. It stifles our ability to work on legitimate lines of inquiry. It also wastes time and resources for destructive reasons.”
“It is ironic that Senator Grassley now is interested in investigations. He didn’t care when it came to putting a man on the SCOTUS for life. We welcome the investigation as now we can finally get to the bottom of Judge Kavanaugh’s lies and conduct. Let the truth be known,” fired-back Avenatti.
It is ironic that Senator Grassley now is interested in investigations. He didn’t care when it came to putting a man on the SCOTUS for life. We welcome the investigation as now we can finally get to the bottom of Judge Kavanaugh’s lies and conduct. Let the truth be known.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) October 25, 2018
Read the full report at the Washington Examiner