News and Commentary

‘Appalling Fraud’: Avenatti Accused Of Embezzling Millions From NBA Star’s Ex Wife And Paraplegic Client

John Bickley

Two weeks ago, Michael Avenatti — the celebrity lawyer of porn star Stormy Daniels who once appeared on mainstream news outlets over 140 times in just 10 weeks and teased a potential Democratic presidential run for months — was slapped with a 36-count indictment for a wide range of charges, including fraud, perjury, and embezzlement. This week, some more details about the charges have come to light, and they include some jaw-dropping claims, including that Avenatti allegedly embezzled millions of settlement money that was supposed to go to the ex-wife of an NBA star. Previous reports have also revealed that Avenatti is accused of stealing millions that were supposed to go to a mentally ill paraplegic client.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times published a report detailing new information about some of the allegations Avenatti faces, particularly that he embezzled nearly $2 million of the $2.75 million paid by the Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside as part of a settlement with his ex-wife, Alexis Gardner.

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