Ep 1. The Trials Of Michael Avenatti

In season 14, episode 1 of American Greed, titled "The Trials of Michael Avenatti," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through the legal drama surrounding the former attorney and media darling. Avenatti rocketed to fame during his representation of Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who claimed to have had an affair with then-President Donald Trump. Avenatti's charisma and media savvy propelled him into the national spotlight, and many speculated that he had his sights set on a career in politics.

But as the saying goes, "the higher you rise, the harder you fall." Avenatti's downfall began when he was arrested in March 2019 on charges of attempting to extort $20 million from Nike. According to prosecutors, Avenatti threatened to release damaging information about the company unless they paid him a hefty sum. Avenatti vehemently denied the charges, claiming that he was merely acting in the best interests of his client, a former Nike employee.

As the case against him unfolded, Avenatti found himself facing additional charges, including fraud and embezzlement. Prosecutors accused him of stealing millions of dollars from his clients, including a paraplegic man who had won a settlement in a lawsuit. Avenatti allegedly used the money to fund his lavish lifestyle, which included a $19,000-per-month apartment in Beverly Hills and a fleet of luxury cars.

The episode follows Avenatti's various legal battles, including his trials for extortion and embezzlement. Viewers are treated to an inside look at the courtroom proceedings and the strategies employed by both the prosecution and defense teams. The episode also explores the media frenzy surrounding Avenatti's case, with reporters camped outside the courthouse and cable news networks providing around-the-clock coverage.

Despite his previous success as a legal crusader and media darling, Avenatti's downfall was swift and dramatic. By the end of the episode, viewers are left questioning what went wrong and how a once-promising career could have gone so off the rails.

Overall, "The Trials of Michael Avenatti" is a gripping look at the rise and fall of a high-profile figure in the legal world. The episode doesn't shy away from the complex legal issues at play, but it also injects plenty of drama and suspense into the narrative. For anyone interested in the intersection of law and media, "The Trials of Michael Avenatti" is a must-watch.