Avenatti confident \'justice will be done\'

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) Attorney Michael Avenatti made a brief appearance in federal court in California on Monday, proclaiming his innocence on the courthouse steps as he was jeered by onlookers.

Avenatti, best known for representing pornographic film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with U.S. President Donald Trump, did not enter a plea to fraud and embezzlement charges lodged against him in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.

He is charged in a separate federal indictment in New York with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shake down" Nike Inc for more than $20 million.

"For nearly 20 years I've represented Davids versus Goliaths as an attorney.

Throughout that entire time period I've relied upon the justice system and judges sitting in court houses just like this," Avenatti said following the eight-minute hearing.

"I will spend the time in connection with this case and the one in New York relying on that same justice system.

... And I am highly confident that when the process plays out that justice will be done," he said.

As Avenatti spoke to reporters, onlookers shouted "creepy porn lawyer!" and "lock him up!" Avenatti is free on $300,000 bond in the New York case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John Early did not modify the bond during the hearing in Santa Ana.

Avenatti became a prominent critic of Trump and frequent cable TV guest while representing Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

She filed a lawsuit against the president over a nondisclosure agreement that in the weeks before the 2016 U.S. presidential election kept her from discussing her claims that they had had an extramarital affair 10 years earlier.

Avenatti also involved himself in the investigation of sexual abuse charges against R&B singer R.

Kelly by giving the Chicago state's attorney's office what he said was a tape of the performer having sex with an underage girl.