The fallout and allegations continue in regards of Michael Avenatti, who was arrested and charged with extortion attempt and fraud when allegations arose from him trying to extort millions from Nike in late March.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the former attorney of NBA star Hassan Whiteside’s ex-girlfriend, Alexis Gardner, is now being accused of allegedly hiding a payment Whiteside made to her.
The Miami Heat center wired $2.75 million to Michael Avenatti in January 2017, which most of it was intended to go to the ex-girlfriend, but she would would end up receiving none of it.
“An actress and barista, she’d hired him just a few weeks before to negotiate a settlement of a potential lawsuit against Whiteside. It’s unclear what she would have alleged. Avenatti quickly struck a $3-million deal, and the $2.75 million was Whiteside’s first payment.
Avenatti, prosecutors say, was entitled to take just over $1 million in legal fees, leaving the rest for Gardner.
Instead, they allege, Avenatti hid Whiteside’s payment from her and immediately took $2.5 million to buy a share of a private jet.”
Whiteside and Gardner released a statement:
“We entered into a mutually agreed upon settlement more than two years ago following the end of our relationship; a settlement that reflected Alexis’ investment of time and support over a number of years as Hassan pursued a career in the NBA,” Whiteside and Gardner told the Los Angeles Times in a statement released by his agent. “It is unfortunate that something that was meant to be kept private between us is now being publicly reported. We have both moved on amicably and wish nothing but the best for each other.”
Gardner is one of five clients whose money prosecutors say Avenatti stole. Among that, Avenatti is also charged with dodging taxes, bank fraud, perjury and bankruptcy fraud.