Giuliani’s Financial Woes: Assets Seized in Massive Defamation Case

Rudy Giuliani, once a prominent figure in politics and law enforcement, must relinquish several personal assets due to a $146 million defamation judgment, including his luxury New York apartment and various high-value items.

At a Glance

Giuliani ordered to surrender New York apartment, Mercedes-Benz, and luxury items to Georgia election workers.
Assets to be sold via receivership controlled by plaintiffs Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.
Judgment stems from false accusations of election fraud against Freeman and Moss.
Giuliani’s bankruptcy claim reduced his asset pool to $10.6 million.
Court decision underscores significant punitive measures for defamation.

Court Orders Asset Surrender in Defamation Case

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman has ordered Rudy Giuliani to turn over substantial personal assets to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, as part of a $146 million defamation judgment. The ruling comes after Giuliani was found to have falsely accused the women of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election.

The assets to be surrendered include Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment, a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL500, luxury watches, and various other personal items. Judge Liman appointed Freeman and Moss as receivers of these assets, granting them the authority to sell the property immediately.

A US judge ordered Rudy Giuliani to turn over control of a luxury New York apartment, jewelry and other valuables to the control of two Georgia election workers seeking to collect nearly $146 million from the former New York mayor in a defamation case https://t.co/ahBDfRX57k

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 23, 2024

Luxury Items and Legal Fees at Stake

Among the items Giuliani must relinquish are furniture, a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, signed pictures, costume jewelry, a diamond ring, and 26 luxury watches. Some of these watches were reportedly gifts from foreign heads of state following the 9/11 attacks. The court has deferred a decision on whether Giuliani must surrender three Yankees World Series rings, with a hearing set for October 28.

In addition to physical assets, the court has allowed Freeman and Moss to pursue Giuliani’s claim that former President Trump owes him $2 million in legal fees. This decision adds another layer of complexity to Giuliani’s financial situation.

Bankruptcy and Asset Discrepancies

Giuliani initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which temporarily froze the judgment. However, he was removed from bankruptcy protection due to a lack of transparency in his financial disclosures. This removal allowed for the collection of the judgment to proceed.

Despite the $146 million judgment, Giuliani disclosed only $10.6 million in assets, meaning Freeman and Moss are likely to receive far less than the full judgment amount. The former New York City mayor is also attempting to retain his Palm Beach condo by declaring it his homestead, with a bench trial scheduled for January 16, 2025, to determine if he can keep this property.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

Giuliani’s legal troubles extend beyond this defamation case. He has been disbarred in New York and faces criminal indictments in Georgia and Arizona related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to these charges and is appealing the defamation verdict.

The court’s decision underscores the severe consequences of defamation and the importance of truthful public discourse, especially concerning election integrity. As Giuliani’s assets are liquidated, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential personal and financial costs of spreading false information.