In a significant step to meet a $148 million defamation judgment, Rudy Giuliani has surrendered dozens of luxury items, including a collection of watches and a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500, to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea "Shaye" Moss. The former New York City mayor and one-time attorney for Donald Trump turned over the assets as part of his ongoing legal battle stemming from false claims he made about the pair's alleged role in ballot fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
Joseph Cammarata, Giuliani's new attorney, confirmed the handover in a letter filed Friday with the Manhattan federal court. According to Cammarata, watches, a diamond ring, and other valuables were shipped via FedEx to a bank in Atlanta, while the Mercedes was delivered in Hialeah, Florida. Additionally, funds from Giuliani's Citibank accounts were transferred to Freeman and Moss.
Cammarata, however, raised concerns about the manner in which Giuliani's car was taken. "Forcing Giuliani to relinquish his luxury vehicle without an appraisal is wholly improper," he wrote. He argued that if the vehicle's value is less than $5,500, it should be exempt from the judgment, and if it exceeds that amount, it should be auctioned with proceeds distributed appropriately.
The asset turnover follows a judge's ruling after Giuliani was found liable for defaming Freeman and Moss. Giuliani falsely accused the women of tampering with ballots, leading to widespread harassment and death threats. "This is the accumulation of sixty years of hard work," Giuliani spokesperson Ted Goodman said in a video from a Florida FedEx store, displaying the watches and ring on a table. "Many of these watches hold great sentimental value, and he's being forced to turn all these over under court order."
The possessions, including Giuliani's luxury vehicle, are part of a larger trove sought to fulfill the judgment. The court order also names his Upper East Side Manhattan apartment, furniture, and memorabilia as targets for seizure. Cammarata contends that some items, such as clothing, furniture, and a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, should be exempt under New York and Florida law.
Freeman and Moss's legal team had visited Giuliani's Manhattan apartment, only to find it cleared out ahead of an October deadline. Their lawyers have declined to comment on the recent asset turnover, and it remains unclear if the full list of ordered items has been met.
Giuliani continues to assert his innocence and claims the case represents political persecution. "There isn't a person who doesn't know the judgment is ridiculous," Giuliani said after a recent court appearance. He maintains that he expects to win on appeal and regain his possessions.
Giuliani's new legal counsel, Cammarata, has requested a delay in the January trial concerning the disposition of additional assets, citing Giuliani's plans to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The trial date had been set to address the remaining disputes, including Giuliani's desire to retain his Palm Beach condominium and four Yankees World Series rings, which he claims were given to his son years ago.
