In a dramatic legal development, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to surrender his assets following a defamation case victory by two election workers.
At a Glance
- Rudy Giuliani must turn over his New York apartment and other property to election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss as part of a $146 million defamation judgment.
- U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman appointed Freeman and Moss as receivers of Giuliani’s assets, which include a Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and cash.
- Giuliani disclosed only $10.6 million in assets, far less than the judgment amount, despite initial attempts to declare bankruptcy.
- The legal proceedings also involve a pending decision regarding Giuliani’s Palm Beach condo and a hearing on personal items.
Giuliani Ordered to Surrender Assets
The defamation case centered around claims made by Rudy Giuliani against two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. A jury found Giuliani defamed the election workers by falsely alleging election fraud, resulting in a $146 million judgment. Despite attempts to shelter his assets through bankruptcy, Giuliani’s disclosure totaled only $10.6 million, far less than required to meet the awarded sum.
A federal judge has mandated that Giuliani turn over much of his property to Freeman and Moss. Judge Lewis Liman appointed the duo as receivers of Giuliani’s possessions, including his New York apartment, Mercedes-Benz, and luxury watches. Giuliani has seven days from the decision to hand over these assets, providing Freeman and Moss the opportunity to liquidate them upon receipt.
Bankruptcy and Asset Disclosure
After the court ruling, Rudy Giuliani attempted to shield his assets by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, a judge dismissed this attempt due to a lack of transparency concerning his financial disclosures. “In the absence of a turnover order to a receiver, Plaintiffs would bear the unacceptable risk of delay and Defendant’s insolvency,” Judge Liman noted in his ruling, Lewis said. The election workers now have the right to pursue Giuliani’s claim that former President Trump owes him legal fees.
Giuliani’s objections are not easily quelled. He argued against allowing Freeman and Moss to initiate legal actions to collect these funds before the upcoming elections, highlighting the ongoing tensions and potential political implications of the legal proceedings. Furthermore, Giuliani is attempting to retain his Palm Beach condo, arguing for its exemption as his homestead.
Pending Legal Decisions
The legal process is far from over with a pending decision regarding some specific assets. Giuliani must also relinquish items such as his 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL500, furniture, a television, signed photographs, 26 luxury watches, and any nonexempt cash. Some of these watches were reportedly gifts from distinguished foreign dignitaries following the 9/11 attacks.
A decision on whether Giuliani must also surrender three Yankees World Series rings, claimed by his son Andrew, is pending. A hearing is scheduled for October 28 to address these specific items, while a bench trial relating to his Palm Beach condo is set for January 16, 2025.
