Michael Avenatti said he is “still considering” running for president in 2020 even after being arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
“I’m still considering it,” the lawyer told USA Today.
He said his “first priority right now is clearing my name,” and argued that a person’s character is determined by how they overcome difficulties.
"I will not be intimidated," he told the paper in a text message. "The measure of a person is how they get up when they are knocked down."
But the hurdles in his way are adding up. On Wednesday, Avenatti, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump who rose to prominence as the attorney for porn star Stormy Daniels, was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic violence.
Hours after being taken into custody, Avenatti posted $50,000 bail and strongly denied wrongdoing as he left the Los Angeles Police Department and tweeted on Thursday that he hasn't been charged with anything related to the accusation.
"I have never struck a woman. I will never strike a woman," Avenatti told reporters, adding that he is and would continue to be an "advocate" for women's rights.
Los Angeles Police have not identified the alleged victim but said the person had visible injuries. (USA Today)
Avenatti has denied any wrongdoing and said he looks forward to “being fully exonerated.”
"I wish to thank the hard-working men and woman of the LAPD for their professionalism they were only doing their jobs in light of the completely bogus allegations against me," he said in a statement released by his office. "I have never been physically abusive in my life nor was I last night. Any accusations to the contrary are fabricated and meant to do harm to my reputation. I look forward to being fully exonerated.”
"I have never struck a woman. I never will strike a woman," he said later during a press conference. "I have been an advocate for women's rights my entire career and I'm going to continue to be an advocate. "I'm not going to be intimidated from stopping what I'm doing."