“This is nothing more than a straightforward case of extortion.” (Image: GETTY )
Mr Avenatti was arrested on suspicion of trying to extort money from sportswear company Nike. He is accused of seeking up to $20million (£15million) to prevent the release of damaging information. The legal battle between Trump and Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, centred on a non-disclosure agreement covering an alleged affair.
In an unrelated case the lawyer has also been charged with bank fraud.
FBI Assistant Director William Sweeney Jr commented: “As alleged, Michael Avenatti approached Nike last week with a list of financial demands in exchange for covering up allegations of misconduct on behalf of the company.
“The lofty price tag included a $1.5million (£1.1million) payoff for Mr Avenatti's client and upwards of tens of millions of dollars for the legal services of his firm, services Nike never requested.
“This is nothing more than a straightforward case of extortion.”
READ MORE: Cohen CONFESSION -
