Michael Avenatti Ordered to Pay Out $5 Million in Damages by Judge
'Creepy Porn Lawyer' forced to pay $4.85m to attorney at former law firm
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Michael Avenatti has been ordered to pay $4.85 million in damages to an attorney at his former law firm, a California judge ruled Monday.
"Creepy Porn Lawyer" Avenatti, who was thrust into the limelight for representing adult entertainer Stormy Daniels, was told he must pay almost $5m because he personally guaranteed a settlement with attorney Jason Frank in a lawsuit over back pay.
Despite having millions at stake, Avenatti did not attend the hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Avenatti also served as counsel for a woman who made suspicious claims of sexual misconduct against Justice Brett Kavanaugh and who is now mentioned as a possible 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
His personal finances have recently drawn attention after declaring that he wouldn't make his tax filings public should he run for office.
It has also been revealed that the shady lawyer also owes millions in federal taxes, despite living a lavish lifestyle.
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According to Fox News, Frank had alleged the firm misstated its profits and he was owed millions.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dennis Landin issued the ruling after turning down a request from Avenatti to have the matter moved to federal court, which the opposing side called a delay tactic.
Monday's decision also follows an earlier ruling from a U.S. bankruptcy court judge who ordered Avenatti's former firm to pay $10 million to Frank.
Avenatti, meanwhile, told The Associated Press that Frank owes him and the firm $12 million "for his fraud" – but didn't provide details of what that fraud was.
A new report has revealed that attorney #MichaelAvenatti lives a lavish lifestyle, despite owing millions in taxes to the #IRS.
— Neon Nettle (@NeonNettle) October 23, 2018
READ MORE: https://t.co/P5qKNgy9tp#CreepyPornLawyer pic.twitter.com/bYoanECu7x
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The latest legal setback for Avenatti comes a day after The Daily Beast published a report highlighting how he allegedly lived extravagantly -- while owing millions of dollars in unpaid taxes.
The lawyer – who's become something of a celebrity critic of President Trump – was criticized by the commander-in-chief last week after a federal judge tossed out a defamation lawsuit brought by Avenatti.
“I just beat him in a big case. … Beat him badly. In fact, he has to pay me legal fees,” Trump told Fox Business’ Trish Regan.
“I don’t think he has any money, but he and [Stormy Daniels] have to pay me a lot of legal fees.”
Trump has denied the affair allegations but acknowledges a hush-money payment was made.
