Rudy Giuliani, the former lawyer of Donald Trump, has been ordered by a judge to surrender his New York City apartment and several valuable items to two Georgia election workers. The workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Moss, were awarded a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani for spreading false claims about election fraud related to the 2020 presidential election.
The judge ruled that Giuliani must give up his Manhattan apartment, estimated to be worth over $5 million, as well as his interest in about $2 million that he claims Trump’s campaign owes him. Additionally, Giuliani must surrender a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 previously owned by movie star Lauren Bacall, several luxury watches, sports memorabilia, and other items of value.
Giuliani had requested to keep a watch given to him by his grandfather due to its sentimental value, but the judge rejected the request. The court order aims to ensure that the assets are quickly liquidated to maximize the amount that Freeman and Moss will receive towards the judgment.
Despite the ruling, Giuliani has not paid anything to Freeman and Moss yet. Their lawyer, Aaron Nathan, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that it sends a message that there are consequences for spreading disinformation intentionally.
Giuliani’s son, Andrew, claimed ownership of the World Series rings that were also included in the list of assets to be surrendered. He stated that his father had gifted him the rings in 2018, one for each of the Yankees’ championships in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This claim is pending in federal court.
The article mentions that Giuliani filed for bankruptcy after the $148 million verdict, which temporarily halted Freeman and Moss’s efforts to collect the award. However, a judge dismissed the bankruptcy case due to Giuliani’s failure to comply with court orders and disclose his sources of income.
The judge also addressed Giuliani’s Florida condominium, which is estimated to be worth more than $3 million. This property is currently tied up in other litigation, with Giuliani claiming it should be exempt as it is his primary residence. A hearing regarding the Florida condo is scheduled for later this month.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to require Giuliani to surrender his assets to Freeman and Moss serves as a reminder of the consequences of spreading misinformation. Despite Giuliani’s attempts to retain certain items, the judge’s ruling aims to ensure that the plaintiffs receive the compensation they are owed.
