Michael Avenatti said Monday he won’t take the stand in his Nike extortion trial after a Manhattan judge rejected his attempt to have his testimony limited.
Avenatti was considering taking the stand in his Manhattan federal trial for allegedly attempting to blackmail Nike out of more than $20 million.
His lawyers filed a motion Saturday with Judge Paul Gardephe asking for prosecutors to exclude cross-examining him about matters regarding his financial condition, search history and web results for “insider trading” and “Nike put options” and his other alleged crimes, including accusations that he cheated porn star Stormy Daniels out of $300,000.
Gardephe said in court Monday that he would not permit “any references to pending criminal cases,” but he added that past examples of “lies and deceit is highly relevant” as the judge denied the motion.
“Mr. Avenatti offers no basis to preclude financial evidence,” the judge said, explaining that “evidence of a desperate financial condition … is relevant to his motive.”
Gardephe, however, did say he would preclude “inflammatory material” related to spousal and child support.
After Gardephe made his ruling, the judge asked Avenatti if he plans on testifying, and Avenatti said he will not.
Meanwhile, the prosecution rested its case against Avenatti on Monday and closing arguments are expected Tuesday.
Avenatti has pleaded not guilty in the case.