Michael Avenatti's ex-wives come to his defense after domestic violence arrest in LA

Gregory Korte | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Official: Avenatti in custody on domestic violence Official: Avenatti in custody on domestic violence

WASHINGTON – Both of Michael Avenatti's former wives defended the Los Angeles lawyer after he was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence.

Avenatti, the celebrity lawyer best known for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump, denied wrongdoing after being released on $50,000 bond.

Los Angeles Police have not identified the alleged victim but said the person had visible injuries.

More: Michael Avenatti arrested in Los Angeles, denies domestic violence accusations

Avenatti's first wife, Christine Avenatti Carlin, said on Twitter that Avenatti was always a kind and loving father and husband. "He has NEVER been abusive to me or anyone else," she said. "He is a good man."

His second wife, Lisa Storie-Avenatti, denied reports on a gossip website that she was the victim. Through her attorney, she said she wasn't at Avenatti's apartment when the alleged incident occurred, had never been abused by Avenatti and never knew him to be violent.

The two filed for divorce last year.

The law under which Avenatti was charged applies to violence against a current or former spouse, roommate or other person with which the offender has an "engagement or dating relationship."

Avenatti denied that he was charged with a crime, despite a Los Angeles Police statement to the contrary.

In a tweet, Avenatti blamed right-wing internet provocateur Jacob Wohl, who was accused of instigating a plot to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller with bogus charges of sexual harassment.

"First Mueller and now me. When we are fully exonerated I am coming for you Jacob Wohl," Avenatti wrote.

The 47-year-old lawyer became a ubiquitous face on cable television news this year after Daniels sued Trump to get out of her confidentiality agreement with the president. Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, said Trump paid her $138,000 to keep quiet about a sexual encounter just before the 2016 election.

A separate case, in which Daniels sued Trump for libel, was dismissed last month.

Avenatti made overtures toward the presidency himself, coming up with a bare-bones platform and going on a speaking tour to Democratic groups across the country.

Vermont Democrats canceled a scheduled weekend appearance there after Avenatti's arrest Wednesday, the Burlington Free Press reported.

Avenatti also represents Julie Swetnick, one of several women who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his confirmation hearings in September.

Swetnick recanted some of the allegations, and the Senate Judiciary Committee asked the FBI to investigate whether Avenatti criminally conspired with Swetnick to "make materially false statements to the committee."

Contributing: Steve Kiggins in Los Angeles.