The former attorney for adult entertainment star Stormy Daniels, Michael Avenatti, claims that former President Donald Trump’s legal team has “contacted ” him, and he would be willing to testify.
Avenatti, who was found guilty of taking cash from previous customers, obstructing the IRS from taking millions of dollars in paid payroll taxes, and attempting to steal Nike, told the New York Post ( NYP ) that Trump’s legal defense had been in touch with him.
Avenatti was ordered to serve five years in prison for two previous offenses in December 2022.
“I’d be more than glad to speak. I don’t realize that I will be called to testify, but I have been in touch with Trump’s security for the better part of a year, ” Avenatti told the outlet.
Avenatti described the trial against Trump as being “politically motivated ” out of concern that the former president “may be reelected, ” but he did not provide specifics regarding what he had discussed with Trump’s legal team. ”
“There’s no question [the trial ] is politically motivated because they’re concerned that he may be reelected, ” Avenatti told the outlet. This event would not have been brought at this time if the defendant had been anyone other than Donald Trump, and I believe it is simply outrageous and bad that the government attempted to bring it on and convict him in an effort to stop tens of millions of people from supporting him. ”
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 27: Child video actress/director Stormy Daniels attends the 2018 Adult Video News Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Game on January 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ( Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images )
Daniels, one of the customers that Avenatti was found guilty of defrauding, was one of his past clients. In May 2019, Avenatti was charged with defrauding Daniels. According to the prosecution, Avenatti allegedly transferred$ 30,000, which Daniels allegedly received from a book deal, using a fake file. Otherwise, the money was used for personal and business costs.
Due to being sentenced to prison, Avenatti had been among Trump’s best critics, yet floating the idea of a presidential run in 2020 against Trump.
Avenatti urged Trump to be charged in a New York Times opinion part.
“I’m actually bothered by the fact that Trump, in my view, has been targeted, ” Avenatti added. There is a good chance that all of these situations will fail and help him win the presidency, he said. ”
Prospective jurors were chosen to stay on a 12-juror section on Monday as Trump’s quiet cash criminal trial began.
In April 2023, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of first-degree misleading business documents related to Daniels ‘ bills during the 2016 presidential vote.
