Rudy Giuliani, once a prominent figure in U.S. politics, has been ordered to turn over valuable assets, including his Manhattan penthouse, as part of a $150 million defamation judgment in favor of two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The decision follows Giuliani's role in perpetuating false claims about the 2020 election, specifically targeting Freeman and Moss, who were involved in vote counting in Georgia.
The judgment is a significant financial blow to Giuliani, who has already faced professional and legal repercussions for his role in advancing false election claims on behalf of former President Donald Trump. In this latest legal development, Judge Lewis Liman of the Manhattan federal court ruled that Giuliani must transfer control of his penthouse and other assets, including watches, jewelry, and sports memorabilia, to a receivership controlled by Freeman and Moss. Among the items is a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500SL once owned by the late Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall.
The court's ruling also includes the potential sale of Giuliani's New York penthouse, which could fetch millions. Freeman and Moss, who endured a campaign of harassment after being wrongfully accused by Giuliani of tampering with ballots in Georgia, have been awarded $150 million in total damages, covering defamation, emotional distress, and punitive damages. This ruling allows them to begin recovering part of that massive sum.
Michael Gottlieb, attorney for Freeman and Moss, emphasized the importance of the ruling in helping his clients reclaim what was taken from them. He told CNN, "Today's ruling...is an example of how the justice system...will hold powerful people to account for these kinds of wrongs."
In addition to the luxury items and the penthouse, Giuliani must also hand over a collection of valuable watches, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, and various other personal items. The transfer of these assets is part of the court's strategy to facilitate their sale, potentially through auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's, to ensure the highest possible returns for the plaintiffs. However, Judge Liman has not yet decided whether Giuliani's Palm Beach condo or his four New York Yankees World Series rings will be part of the asset transfer.
Giuliani's spokesman did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling, which comes as a significant financial and reputational hit to the former New York City mayor and Trump ally. The defamation case, stemming from Giuliani's repeated false claims about the integrity of the 2020 election, has compounded the consequences faced by many of Trump's former legal aides.
The ruling highlights the broader legal fallout facing those who propagated election-related falsehoods. Giuliani has already lost his law license due to his involvement in advancing Trump's baseless claims of widespread election fraud. Several other legal proceedings are ongoing against former Trump lawyers, while right-wing news outlets, such as Fox News, have also faced substantial financial settlements for their role in spreading election conspiracy theories.
Giuliani's financial troubles are further compounded by a pending legal battle over whether he can keep his Florida property. A hearing is scheduled for next Monday, where the court will determine the fate of this asset as part of the ongoing effort to collect on the $150 million judgment.
In addition to the financial hit, Giuliani's once-esteemed reputation continues to unravel as he faces the consequences of his actions during and after the 2020 election. His involvement in promoting false claims of voter fraud has not only led to personal financial losses but has also eroded his standing in the legal and political communities.
