LOS ANGELES (AP) — CNN has cut ties with Mark Geragos just hours after the celebrity attorney was named as a co-conspirator in a case accusing lawyer Michael Avenatti of trying to extort Nike.
A CNN representative confirmed Monday that Geragos is no longer a contributor to the network but didn’t specify why. His name is no longer listed on CNN’s website as a legal analyst.
Geragos appeared on CNN this month to discuss the case against his client Jussie Smollett, an actor accused of fabricating a racist, anti-gay attack in Chicago.
A person familiar with details of the Avenatti investigation tells The Associated Press that a co-conspirator was Geragos.
The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.
Prosecutors say Avenatti and an unnamed attorney tried to shake down Nike for as much as $25 million by threatening the company with bad publicity.
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