Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Surrender New York Apartment and Luxury Assets to Defamed Georgia Election Workers
In a landmark ruling, Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and longtime Trump attorney, has been ordered to hand over his Manhattan apartment, a vintage Mercedes-Benz, and various luxury possessions to two Georgia election workers he defamed following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Court Decision on Asset Turnover
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, in a move that upholds the principles of justice, ruled in New York that Giuliani must relinquish his apartment on the Upper East Side, along with numerous high-value items, to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the mother-daughter duo who were falsely accused of election fraud by Giuliani. The judge gave Giuliani seven days to comply with the turnover order. This decision comes after a jury found Giuliani liable for spreading lies about Freeman and Moss, leading to a defamation judgment of approximately $150 million.
The court’s ruling allows Freeman and Moss to begin selling the assets immediately as part of their compensation. Among the items Giuliani must hand over are several luxury watches, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, and a 1980 Mercedes-Benz that once belonged to Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall. The judge also ordered the transfer of Giuliani’s collection of Yankees memorabilia and other personal effects.
Legal Fees and Additional Assets
Additionally, the court granted Freeman and Moss the right to claim around $2 million in legal fees owed to Giuliani by the Trump campaign for his legal work in 2020. These fees were related to Giuliani’s efforts to overturn the election results, which the court found to be based on false claims. While these assets offer some financial recompense, Giuliani is appealing the ruling, hoping to reduce the damages owed.
Aaron Nathan, attorney for Freeman and Moss, expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “The road to justice for Ruby and Shaye has been long, but today’s decision is a major step forward. This ruling is a powerful statement that disinformation carries serious consequences.”
Potential for Further Asset Seizure
The court has not yet determined whether Giuliani will be able to retain his Florida condominium or his four World Series rings, which his son claims to possess. A hearing is scheduled next week to resolve these remaining disputes. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact Giuliani’s financial situation and further underscore the consequences of his actions.
This case serves as a pivotal example of the legal ramifications faced by those involved in spreading false election claims. Once celebrated as a law enforcer, Giuliani has seen his career unravel following his role in perpetuating election fraud conspiracies. The court’s decision to order the surrender of his assets, along with losing his law license, is a significant blow to his reputation and financial stability. Giuliani is now grappling with the financial fallout of his actions, which could have long-term implications for his personal and professional life.
This judgment marks another chapter in the post-2020 election legal battles, where disinformation has come with high costs for those involved in Trump’s election subversion efforts. The weight of these legal battles is felt not only by the defendants but also by the legal system and the public at large.