Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Surrender Manhattan Apartment, Luxury Items in $150 Million Defamation Case
Rudy Giuliani, once celebrated as the mayor of New York City, now faces a significant personal and financial loss. A federal judge has ordered him to relinquish his luxury Manhattan penthouse, a collectible Mercedes-Benz, and various high-end valuables to the victims of his defamation, stemming from his false claims following the 2020 election.
The Defamation Lawsuit and Ruling
Giuliani’s troubles began when he publicly defamed two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. He falsely accused the two women of engaging in election fraud in Fulton County, Georgia, as part of an effort to dispute Donald Trump’s loss to President Joe Biden. In December, a federal jury awarded Freeman and Moss over $148 million in punitive damages for emotional distress and defamation.
Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to avoid financial ruin, a federal judge in New York dismissed Giuliani’s bankruptcy case. He has yet to pay any portion of the nine-figure judgment and has failed to secure a stay from the court, which would allow him to delay the payment of the debt while his appeal is being reviewed.
Surrender of Luxury Items and Property
On Tuesday, Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Giuliani must surrender a wide range of valuable items, including:
- His Manhattan penthouse, located on the prestigious Upper East Side, valued at approximately $5.7 million.
- A 1980 Mercedes-Benz, once owned by legendary actress Lauren Bacall.
- Memorabilia signed by baseball legends Joe DiMaggio and Reggie Jackson.
- Over twenty watches, one of which was a family heirloom passed down from Giuliani’s grandfather.
- A diamond ring and other high-end personal possessions.
Among the most sentimental of these items is a watch gifted to Giuliani by the French president after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, during his time as mayor of New York City.
Giuliani had tried to safeguard specific personal items, including his grandfather’s watch, from being liquidated. However, Judge Liman rejected his request to retain the watch, stating that Giuliani failed to prove its value fell below the $1,000 exemption limit.
Upcoming Legal Developments and Potential Liabilities
Giuliani’s troubles are not limited to his Manhattan property and valuables. The judge will also rule on his Palm Beach, Florida condominium at an upcoming hearing on October 28. Additionally, Giuliani is under scrutiny for unpaid legal fees from Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, totaling approximately $2 million. Judge Liman granted permission for Freeman and Moss to pursue these unpaid debts as part of their compensation.
Giuliani had requested to delay the ruling on these legal fees until after the November 5 election, citing concerns that the plaintiffs might use the ruling for political purposes and cause unnecessary media attention. However, Judge Liman denied the request, highlighting the irony of Giuliani’s concerns given his admitted defamation of the plaintiffs.
The Road to Justice
Freeman and Moss have remained committed to seeking justice throughout the lengthy legal process. Their attorney, Aaron Nathan, emphasized their determination, stating, “The journey to justice for Ruby and Shaye has been lengthy, yet they have remained steadfast.”
Judge Liman echoed these sentiments, underscoring that Giuliani’s lies about election fraud not only defamed the two women but also unfairly cast doubt on the integrity of the election process in Fulton County, Georgia.
As Giuliani continues to appeal the defamation ruling in the US Court of Appeals, his financial future remains uncertain. The surrender of his assets marks a significant chapter in this ongoing legal battle, but whether he will be able to satisfy the full judgment remains to be seen.