Update: The L.A. District Attorney declined to file a felony charge, and referred the case to the city prosecutor for potential misdemeanor charges.
Michael Avenatti, Stormy Daniels’ lawyer, made news last week by getting himself arrested in California on felony domestic violence charges.
Initially, the charges were sealed and no details were known, and his two ex-wives came to his defense saying they didn’t believe he was capable of abusing anyone, although Daniels reserved judgment and told the press she would drop him as her lawyer if the allegations were true.
Yesterday, a court granted a request by Mareli Miniutti, described as an “aspiring actress,”for a restraining order against Avenatti. She apparently is the victim of the alleged abuse for which Avenatti was arrested. Her declaration stated she and Avenatti were arguing about money when he called her a name, hit her in the face with pillows, grabbed her by the wrist and arm, then dragged her from the apartment they shared into “the public hallway.” She also claimed Avenatti shoved her during another altercation in February.
Avenatti’s lawyers confirmed an argument took place, but claimed Miniutti became “agitated,” and denied their client inflicted “any corporal injury or traumatic condition” on her.
Read the seedy details here.