Avenatti now representing himself in case vs. Stormy Daniels
By LARRY NEUMEISTER
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Avenatti says he’s glad to be representing himself at his trial over whether he stole money from porn star Stormy Daniels. Avenatti asked to replace his lawyers with himself Tuesday after a disagreement. A judge approved the request. The switch came a day after prosecutors asserted in opening statements that he cheated Daniels of nearly $300,000 owed to her for her autobiography. The 50-year-old Avenatti insists he’s innocent and that a fee dispute never should have led to criminal charges. Outside court, Avenatti said he’s most at home as a trial lawyer and thinks it gives him the best chance at acquittal.
