Michael Avenatti to represent himself in Stormy Daniels case

Michael Avenatti will represent himself at trial in the lawsuit filed by adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, his former client, who has accused him of stealing from her.

A judge approved Avenatti’s request to represent himself in a trial in which he is accused of stealing several payments Daniels received after writing her autobiography, ABC News reported.

The autobiography discussed a sexual relationship she says she had with former President Trump, who denies it. 

Daniels alleges that $300,000 of the money she was supposed to be paid for the book had been stolen by Avenatti. 

Avenatti said on Tuesday that he had a “breakdown” with his defense team from the Federal Defenders of New York and had requested that he represent himself instead.

The jury’s decision means Daniels will be cross-examined by her former lawyer in the trial. 

This is not the first time Avenatti has represented himself in court.

Avenatti represented himself in an embezzlement case last year in which he was accused of stealing millions of dollars from his clients.