A New York federal judge ruled “creepy porn lawyer” Michael Avenatti can tell jurors about his lawsuit against President Donald Trump on behalf of a porn star during his trial on extortion charges.
Avenatti is accused of attempting to extort between $15 to $25 million from Nike by threatening them with his ability to smear them publicly. In those threats, Avenatti cited his almost-daily national TV appearances on behalf of porn star Stormy Daniels, who he was representing in a lawsuit against Trump.
Prosecutors tried to ban Avenatti from telling jurors about the case, arguing it would politicize the trial and potentially bias the Manhattan jury.
U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, after 20 minutes of deliberation, reluctantly disagreed.
“I can’t pretend there was sort of an immaculate conception here where Mr. Avenatti suddenly became this incredibly public lawyer magically,” said Gardephe.
That means Avenatti will be able to drag Trump into the case, and possibly argue he is being politically targeted.
“We’re deeply troubled,” prosecutor Daniel Richenthal said. “This case has nothing to do with politics in any way, shape or form.”
“The suggestion this case was brought because the administration doesn’t like this defendant is frivolous,” Richenthal said. “And it is improper.”
Avenatti’s political profile is already complicating the case. Due to his notoriety, he must be kept in solitary confinement, which is drawing accusations from his defense attorneys the isolation is harming Avenatti and making it difficult for him to speak with them.
AAN Staff
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