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Stormy Daniels lawyer Michael Avenatti arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

Michael Avenatti was taken into custody in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the unnamed official said: AP/Mary Altaffer
Michael Avenatti was taken into custody in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the unnamed official said: AP/Mary Altaffer

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer who represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with Donald Trump, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, police in Los Angeles said.

Few details were available, but police spokesman Jeff Lee said Avenatti was in the process of being formally booked.

No one was available for comment at Mr Avenatti’s law office in Newport Beach, south of Los Angeles.

The attorney rose to prominence as the lawyer for Ms Daniels, an adult actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

She sued Mr Trump for defamation after he denied her assertion that she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006, but her lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge last month.

Ms Daniels has filed a separate lawsuit over a $130,000 (£100,000) in hush-money agreement stemming from the alleged encounter. Mr Trump has denied having an affair.

Mr Avenatti’s clients have also included Julie Swetnick, who accused Brett Kavanaugh of aggressive sexual behaviour before his confirmation to the US Supreme Court.

The lawyer recently mooted a run for president in an interview with Time magazine.

Calling on the Democrats to back him, he said he believed he would be one of the few potential candidates that can “push back” against Mr Trump.

“Look, I can be aggressive at times,” he said. ”I didn’t get to where I am by being a pushover, okay. I don’t generally go after people offensively, but if somebody comes after me, I will absolutely meet them every step of the way and then some, no question.”