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Actress Files For Restraining Order Against Attorney Michael Avenatti Days After His Arrest
It's not clear what the relationship is between Mareli Miniutti, who has a few small film roles to her credit, and Avenatti.
An actress has filed for a restraining order against controversial attorney Michael Avenatti, days after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
Mareli Miniutti requested the order Monday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Santa Monica branch, according to the New York Daily News. She is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Dec. 10, according to the outlet.
It's unclear if Miniutti’s order is related to the alleged altercation between Avenatti, known for representing Donald Trump’s alleged mistress Stormy Daniels, and an unknown woman. Shortly after his release from jail, Avenatti repeatedly denied ever hitting a woman, and did so again after news of Miniutti’s order began to spread.
“I look forward to a full clearing of my name and disclosure of all of the facts,” Avenatti wrote on Twitter on Monday night. “I have NEVER abused a woman or committed domestic violence against anyone. Any claim to the contrary is completely bogus and fabricated. I am a target. And I will be exonerated.”
Avenatti also seemed to respond to reports that Miniutti was seen in Instagram videos posted shortly after the alleged altercation took place, her face appearing to be free of any bruises, thus contradicting reports that the attorney left her with visible injuries.
“People think they are so smart. Until they post stuff on IG that undercuts their bogus, fabricated claims they made less than 24 hrs earlier. We can’t wait for justice!” Avenatti wrote in one tweet, adding in another, “There is nothing more powerful than video evidence. NOTHING! I will be fully exonerated.”
Miniutti, whose resume includes a number of small film roles, including an uncredited appearance in “Ocean’s 8,” has yet to comment publicly on the situation.
Avenatti was arrested on Nov. 14 following an alleged fight with an unnamed woman outside a Los Angeles apartment building, after which the woman was left with marks on her face, according to TMZ. After posting $50,000 bail and being released from police custody, Avenatti held a press conference, during which he reiterated his commitment to being a women’s rights advocate, the New York Times reports.
“I am not going to be intimidated from stopping what I am doing,” he said, according to the outlet. “I am a father to two beautiful, smart daughters. I would never disrespect them by touching a woman inappropriately or striking a woman. I am looking forward to a full investigation, at which point I am confident that I will be fully exonerated.”
[Photo: Getty Images]
