Two Lawyers Withdraw from Rudy Giuliani’s Property Dispute Case Amid $148M Judgment
Two attorneys representing Rudy Giuliani in a legal battle over seized assets to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment have asked to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with the former New York City mayor. The motion was filed in federal court just days before Giuliani was ordered to surrender prized possessions, including a vintage Mercedes-Benz once owned by actress Lauren Bacall. The judgment stems from Giuliani’s defamatory claims against Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom he falsely accused of ballot fraud while attempting to challenge President-elect Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Freeman and Moss were awarded the massive judgment last year. However, Giuliani has reportedly avoided complying with court-ordered payments, resulting in the court ordering the seizure of his assets.
Attorneys Cite “Fundamental Disagreements”
Kenneth Caruso and David Labkowski, Giuliani’s lawyers, filed a motion late Wednesday to end their representation. They cited “fundamental disagreements” with Giuliani as the reason for their withdrawal. The motion points to legal grounds for attorneys to step aside when a client refuses to cooperate, insists on pursuing unwarranted claims, or takes actions that cannot be justified under good-faith legal arguments. Parts of the filing were heavily redacted, leaving the details of the disagreements unclear. Giuliani has until Monday to formally oppose the motion. His representatives have yet to issue a response.
Defiance Amid Asset Seizure Efforts
A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to surrender several personal assets, including the Bacall Mercedes, an heirloom watch, and other valuables, to Freeman and Moss by Friday. Giuliani, who previously filed for bankruptcy, saw the process cut short after a judge determined he had flouted procedural requirements. Giuliani remains defiant, alleging political persecution. Outside the courtroom last week, he described himself as the victim of a “political vendetta.” On Election Day, he was reportedly spotted driving near a Palm Beach polling location in the Mercedes he was supposed to turn over. The former Trump attorney, disbarred in New York and Washington, also faces pending criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. His refusal to meet prior deadlines and his defiant public statements have added further complexity to his mounting legal and financial troubles.
A Long Legal Road Ahead
Freeman and Moss endured significant harassment following Giuliani’s baseless allegations that they engaged in voter fraud. Giuliani falsely claimed the two election workers smuggled ballots in suitcases, tampered with voting machines, and counted votes multiple times. These allegations were widely debunked but caused lasting harm to Freeman and Moss, culminating in the historic defamation judgment. The ongoing legal battle raises questions about the enforcement of court orders against prominent figures. Giuliani’s refusal to comply with rulings and his legal team’s departure mark the latest chapter in a case that continues to reshape the legacy of the once-revered former mayor. His Monday deadline to respond to the attorneys’ withdrawal motion adds another layer of uncertainty to the unfolding saga.