History of Michael Avenatti in Timeline
Michael Avenatti is an American disbarred lawyer imprisoned for extortion and fraud. He gained notoriety representing adult film star Stormy Daniels in legal battles against former President Donald Trump. However, his career crumbled due to convictions for attempting to extort Nike and defrauding clients. Before his legal downfall, Avenatti was a prominent media figure, appearing frequently as a legal and political commentator.
February 16, 1971: Michael Avenatti is born
Michael John Avenatti was born on February 16, 1971.
1980: Swetnick's Allegations Against Kavanaugh
Julie Swetnick, represented by Michael Avenatti, alleged that Brett Kavanaugh engaged in misconduct in the early 1980s while they were both high school students.
1982: Avenatti Family Relocates to Missouri
In 1982, Michael Avenatti's family moved to Chesterfield, Missouri, where he attended Parkway Central High School.
1989: Avenatti Graduates High School and Attends Saint Louis University
Michael Avenatti graduated from Parkway Central High School in 1989 and attended Saint Louis University for one year before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania.
1992: Avenatti's Research in Leonard v. Pepsico
During his work on the Leonard v. Pepsico case, Avenatti uncovered crucial information. He found that the Pepsi Stuff commercial, which featured the Harrier jet prize, included a disclaimer in its Canadian broadcast, stating the offer was not serious. He also discovered details about the 1992 Pepsi Number Fever scandal in the Philippines, a failed marketing campaign.
1996: Avenatti Graduates from University of Pennsylvania
Michael Avenatti graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1996.
1999: Avenatti's Involvement in the Leonard v. Pepsico Case
In 1999, while a law student, Michael Avenatti was hired by John Leonard, the plaintiff in the Leonard v. Pepsico, Inc. lawsuit, to handle media relations. Avenatti's role involved building relationships with media outlets and securing interviews for Leonard to garner public support.
2000: Avenatti Graduates Law School
In 2000, Avenatti graduated from the George Washington University Law School, ranking first in his class with a Juris Doctor with high honors and Order of the Coif membership.
2003: George Washington Law School Establishes Michael J. Avenatti Award
The George Washington Law School established the Michael J. Avenatti Award for Excellence in Pre-Trial and Trial Advocacy in 2003, after Avenatti made five-figure donations to the school.
2006: Alleged Affair Between Daniels and Trump
Stormy Daniels alleged that an affair took place between her and Donald Trump in 2006.
2007: Avenatti Forms Law Firm
In 2007, Michael Avenatti formed the law firm Eagan Avenatti, LLP.
2010: Avenatti Receives GW's Alumni Recognition Award
Avenatti was awarded GW's Alumni Recognition Award in 2010.
2010: Avenatti Begins Racing Career
Michael Avenatti began his sportscar racing career, participating in around 33 races.
2011: Avenatti Marries Lisa Storie
Michael Avenatti married Lisa Storie in 2011.
2012: Avenatti Competes in Petit Le Mans
Avenatti participated in the 2012 Petit Le Mans race.
2013: Avenatti Withdraws from 24 Hours of Le Mans
Avenatti was scheduled to race in the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
2013: Avenatti Fails to Repay Loan, Faces Lawsuit
In 2013, Michael Avenatti failed to repay a loan to Indigo Systems co-founder William J. Parrish, resulting in a lawsuit.
2015: Avenatti Competes in 24 Hours of Le Mans
Avenatti competed in the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans race, finishing seventh in his class.
2015: Avenatti's Law Firm Acquires Private Jet
Michael Avenatti's law firm acquired a Honda private jet in 2015, which later became entangled in his legal and financial troubles.
2015: Global Baristas Faces Lawsuits
Since 2015, Global Baristas has been named in more than 50 lawsuits in state and federal courts for breach of contract, unpaid bills, and unpaid taxes.
2016: Avenatti Files Class Action Lawsuit Against the NFL
Avenatti filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL in 2016 on behalf of ticket-holders to the annual Hall of Fame Game, which was canceled a few hours before kickoff.
2016: Non-Disclosure Agreement Between Daniels and Trump
In 2016, during the final days of the U.S. Presidential campaign, a non-disclosure agreement was negotiated between Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump, allegedly concerning an affair.
January 2017: Avenatti Begins Allegedly Embezzling from Hassan Whiteside
Michael Avenatti allegedly began embezzling funds from his client, NBA player Hassan Whiteside in January 2017. He is accused of using the money for personal gain.
April 2017: Avenatti Wins $454 Million Verdict in Fraud Case
In April 2017, Avenatti served as lead counsel and secured a $454 million verdict in a fraud case against Kimberly-Clark and Halyard Health, which was later reduced to $21.7 million on appeal.
December 2017: Avenatti's Firm Agrees to Pay Millions in Bankruptcy Proceedings
In December 2017, Eagan Avenatti, which had been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, agreed to pay $4.8 million in unpaid fees to a former partner, $2 million in back taxes, and $1 million to other creditors.
December 2017: Avenatti's Wife Files for Divorce
Lisa Storie-Avenatti filed for divorce from Michael Avenatti in December 2017.
2017: Avenatti's Firm Forced into Bankruptcy
In 2017, Avenatti's law firm was forced into bankruptcy after ex-con Gerald Tobin alleged Avenatti failed to pay him $28,700 for private investigatory work.
March 2018: Avenatti Files Lawsuit for Stormy Daniels
Michael Avenatti initiated a lawsuit in March 2018 on behalf of adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The suit aimed to nullify a 2016 non-disclosure agreement concerning an alleged affair between Daniels and Donald Trump in 2006. Avenatti argued that Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, had paid Daniels to remain silent about the matter.
May 10, 2018: Avenatti's Media Presence During Daniels Case
Michael Avenatti became a prominent figure in the media while representing Stormy Daniels. He appeared frequently on talk shows and cable news programs, discussing the legal cases involving Daniels and Donald Trump. Between March 7 and May 10, 2018, he made 108 appearances on CNN and MSNBC. He also amassed a significant following on Twitter, often concluding his tweets related to the case with the hashtag "#basta," meaning "enough" in Italian.
May 2018: Avenatti Releases Cohen's Bank Records
In May 2018, Michael Avenatti publicly disclosed records revealing substantial payments, some originating from major corporations, deposited into the bank account Michael Cohen used to pay Stormy Daniels. While Cohen's legal team argued that certain transactions involved a different individual named Michael Cohen, they did not challenge the larger deposits. This action prompted the US Treasury Department to launch an investigation into Avenatti's acquisition of Cohen's private banking information. Avenatti sought to join the federal investigation into Michael Cohen. However, the presiding judge presented him with an ultimatum: cease his media appearances and public commentary on the case or withdraw his motion. Avenatti chose to withdraw and subsequently appeared on MSNBC that same day.
June 2018: Avenatti's Alleged Embezzlement Scheme Unravels
By June 2018, Michael Avenatti's alleged scheme to embezzle funds from Hassan Whiteside began to unravel. He was making monthly payments to Whiteside, misrepresenting them as the actual settlement.
June 2018: Former Partner Seeks Lien on Avenatti's Legal Fees
In June 2018, the former partner of Avenatti's firm filed a motion in U.S. bankruptcy court asking for a lien on any and all legal fees the firm might collect, up to $10 million, from clients in 54 cases.
June 25, 2018: Avenatti Provides Video of Child Separated from Mother at Border
Michael Avenatti provided MSNBC with a video that aired on the June 25, 2018, episode of "The Rachel Maddow Show." The video, purportedly shot covertly, showed a child separated from their mother while in the custody of immigration authorities. The footage, leaked by a former client of Avenatti's, became part of the public outcry against the Trump administration's family separation policy.
September 2018: Avenatti Represents Julie Swetnick Against Kavanaugh
During the Senate confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination in September 2018, Michael Avenatti announced he was representing a client, later identified as Julie Swetnick, who accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his high school and college years. Swetnick, in a signed declaration, claimed that Kavanaugh engaged in aggressive behavior toward girls at parties where she alleged that drugging and sexual assault occurred. Kavanaugh denied the allegations. The allegations were widely criticized and deemed not credible by many, and they did not ultimately prevent Kavanaugh's confirmation.
September 2018: Avenatti Conditionally Considers 2020 Presidential Run
In September 2018, Michael Avenatti hinted at a possible run for President of the United States in the 2020 election but stipulated that he would only do so if either Donald Trump or Mike Pence were also running for office.
October 2018: Defamation Lawsuit Against Trump Dismissed
A federal judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit filed by Stormy Daniels against Donald Trump in October 2018. The judge ordered Daniels to cover Trump's legal expenses. Avenatti initially announced plans to appeal the decision. However, Daniels later stated that Avenatti had pursued the lawsuit against her wishes.
November 1, 2018: Avenatti Releases First Political Ad
On November 1, 2018, Michael Avenatti released his first political ad, urging Americans to vote in the upcoming November 6, 2018, elections. This action further fueled speculation about his potential candidacy for President of the United States.
November 6, 2018: Avenatti Encourages Voter Turnout
Michael Avenatti used his platform to encourage voter turnout for the November 6, 2018 elections. His call to action, made through a political ad, reinforced his image as a political activist.
November 2018: Avenatti's Firm Evicted from Office
In November 2018, Avenatti's law firm was evicted from its office in Newport Beach for failing to pay rent.
November 2018: Avenatti Arrested on Suspicion of Domestic Violence
In November 2018, Michael Avenatti was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The alleged victim, later identified as Avenatti's girlfriend, had visible injuries. Avenatti's bail was set at $50,000, and the LAPD referred the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for potential prosecution.
November 30, 2018: Avenatti and Wife Reach Temporary Agreement
On November 30, 2018, Michael Avenatti and his wife Lisa Storie-Avenatti signed a temporary agreement outlining financial and asset arrangements amidst their divorce proceedings.
December 3, 2018: First Support Payment Due
The first support payment of $40,000 was due from Avenatti to Lisa Storie-Avenatti by December 3, 2018, as per their temporary agreement.
December 4, 2018: Avenatti Announces He Will Not Run for President
On December 4, 2018, Michael Avenatti publicly announced his decision not to pursue a presidential bid for the 2020 election. In a Twitter post, he cited respect for his family as the primary reason behind his choice.
December 2018: Avenatti Agrees to Support Payments and Asset Transfers
In December 2018, Michael Avenatti agreed to provide substantial financial support and transfer ownership of various assets to Lisa Storie-Avenatti as part of their divorce settlement.
2018: Avenatti Represents Stormy Daniels
Michael Avenatti represented Stormy Daniels in 2018, during which he allegedly stole money from her book deal.
January 2019: Former Client Files Arbitration Against Avenatti
A former client filed an arbitration against Avenatti in January 2019 alleging misuse of settlement funds.
February 1, 2019: Avenatti Cleared of Domestic Violence Allegations
On February 1, 2019, the city attorney's office concluded its investigation into domestic violence allegations against Michael Avenatti, ultimately deciding not to press charges.
February 2019: Avenatti Provides Tape of R. Kelly to Prosecutors
Michael Avenatti, acting on behalf of a whistleblower he represented, gave the Cook County State's Attorney's Office a tape in February 2019 that allegedly showed R. Kelly engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The tape later became evidence in the criminal trial against Kelly.
March 2019: Avenatti Indicted on Multiple Criminal Charges
In March 2019, Avenatti was indicted in California and New York on various criminal counts, including extortion, tax evasion, fraud, and embezzlement.
March 2019: Avenatti Represents Individuals Connected to R. Kelly Case
In March 2019, Michael Avenatti represented six individuals with ties to the R. Kelly case, including two alleged victims, two whistleblowers, and two parents of alleged victims. He accused Kelly of violating his bail conditions, but these accusations did not result in legal consequences for Kelly.
March 2019: Daniels Terminates Avenatti, Federal Charges Announced
In March 2019, Stormy Daniels ended her professional relationship with Michael Avenatti and retained attorney Clark Brewster as her new counsel. Following the announcement of federal charges against Avenatti later that month, Daniels expressed, "Knowing what I know now about Michael, I'm saddened but not shocked regarding his arrest." The charges against Avenatti in New York included wire fraud, identity theft, and embezzling nearly $300,000 from Daniels.
March 25, 2019: Avenatti Arrested for Extortion Attempt
Michael Avenatti was arrested in New York City on March 25, 2019, for allegedly attempting to extort millions of dollars from Nike. Prosecutors alleged that he threatened to go public with damaging information about the company unless they paid him.
April 10, 2019: Avenatti Charged with Embezzlement
On April 10, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Michael Avenatti on charges of embezzling funds from his client, NBA player Hassan Whiteside. He was accused of using the settlement money intended for Whiteside to fund personal expenses, including the purchase of a private jet.
April 11, 2019: Avenatti Hit with Additional Financial Crime Charges
On April 11, 2019, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California announced 36 additional financial crime charges against Michael Avenatti, including allegations of stealing from clients, tax fraud, and bank fraud.
May 22, 2019: Avenatti Charged with Stealing from Stormy Daniels
On May 22, 2019, Michael Avenatti faced charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to allegations that he stole money from his former client, Stormy Daniels, during her book deal negotiations.
June 3, 2019: California State Bar Files Petition Against Avenatti
On June 3, 2019, the California State Bar filed a petition to enroll Avenatti in involuntary inactive status pending the outcome of the criminal cases and disciplinary action against him.
June 5, 2019: State Bar of California Moves to Disbar Avenatti
On June 5, 2019, the State Bar of California filed an application to involuntarily enroll Michael Avenatti as an inactive member of the bar, citing allegations of professional misconduct.
January 14, 2020: Avenatti Arrested Again
On January 14, 2020, Michael Avenatti was arrested again for violating the terms of his release while attending his disbarment proceedings.
January 17, 2020: Avenatti to be Transferred to Manhattan for Trial
Michael Avenatti was scheduled to be transferred to Manhattan on January 17, 2020, to face trial on extortion charges related to Nike, while also awaiting trial in California for financial crimes.
February 14, 2020: Avenatti Convicted of Extorting Nike
On February 14, 2020, Michael Avenatti was convicted of attempting to extort millions of dollars from Nike.
May 4, 2020: Avenatti Interim Suspension
Avenatti was placed on interim suspension from practicing law after his conviction on May 4, 2020.
2020: Avenatti Expresses Interest in Presidential Run
Michael Avenatti expressed interest in potentially running for President of the United States in the 2020 election, even going so far as to establish a political action committee and hold his first fundraising event at the Democratic Wing Ding in August.
July 8, 2021: Avenatti Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
On July 8, 2021, Avenatti was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his conviction of extorting Nike.
February 4, 2022: Avenatti Convicted of Stealing from Stormy Daniels
A New York federal court convicted Michael Avenatti of identity theft and wire fraud on February 4, 2022, for stealing from Stormy Daniels.
February 7, 2022: Avenatti Imprisoned
Avenatti began his prison sentence on February 7, 2022.
May 2022: Avenatti Apologizes to Stormy Daniels
In May 2022, Michael Avenatti issued an apology letter to Stormy Daniels, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging that he had failed her.
June 2, 2022: Avenatti Sentenced for Defrauding Stormy Daniels
On June 2, 2022, Michael Avenatti was sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding his former client, Stormy Daniels.
June 16, 2022: Avenatti Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Obstruction
Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice on June 16, 2022.
December 5, 2022: Avenatti Receives Additional Sentence for Fraud
On December 5, 2022, Michael Avenatti was sentenced to an additional 14 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from his clients.
2022: Avenatti's Appearance in "Pepsi, Where's My Jet?"
In 2022, the Netflix docuseries "Pepsi, Where's My Jet?" featured Michael Avenatti recounting his experiences working on the Leonard v. Pepsico case. Notably, his interviews for the series were conducted while he was under house arrest.
August 20, 2035: Avenatti's Projected Release Date
Michael Avenatti is currently incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island and is scheduled for release on August 20, 2035.
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