Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and longtime ally of Donald Trump, appeared in a New York City courtroom on Thursday to address a judge’s demands to surrender assets as part of a $148 million defamation judgment. The case, which Giuliani deems “political persecution,” centers around allegations he made during the 2020 election, which defamed two Georgia election workers.
Giuliani Faces Court Over Missing Assets in Defamation Case
Rudy Giuliani’s court appearance on Thursday was a response to an order by Judge Lewis Liman, who mandated that Giuliani explain why he had failed to turn over valuable assets. The items in question are part of a settlement owed to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who won a defamation case against Giuliani after he falsely accused them of voter fraud during the 2020 election.
The judgment demanded Giuliani surrender items that include a $5 million Manhattan apartment, a rare 1980 Mercedes, memorabilia signed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, and multiple luxury watches. Freeman and Moss’s attorneys discovered Giuliani’s apartment largely empty during a recent visit, noting that many valuables had been moved to storage on Long Island.
“Every bit of property that they want is available,” Giuliani told reporters outside the courthouse, insisting that his possessions were accessible. However, he argued that some items, like his grandfather’s 150-year-old watch, should not be subject to seizure, calling the case a “political persecution.”
Allegations of “Delay and Evasion” in Asset Collection
In the courtroom, Aaron Nathan, an attorney representing Freeman and Moss, argued that Giuliani has continuously stalled efforts to turn over his assets, causing “delay and evasion.” Judge Liman ordered Giuliani to hand over the Mercedes by Monday but appeared unconvinced that the former mayor had fully complied with the asset turnover requirements.
The court order stems from Giuliani’s refusal to pay the damages owed to Freeman and Moss, whom he had falsely accused of “sneaking in ballots in suitcases” and tampering with election equipment. These allegations, which were proven to be baseless, led to widespread harassment of the two women, with Freeman and Moss receiving death threats due to the public accusations.
“Efforts to secure his compliance have been met by tactics that prolong and frustrate our clients’ attempts to claim their awarded damages,” said Nathan during the hearing, emphasizing that Giuliani’s team has resisted all attempts to recover assets.
Giuliani Speaks Out, Calling the Case “Intimidation”
Giuliani, speaking directly to Judge Liman during the proceedings, expressed frustration with what he described as rude treatment from those attempting to seize his belongings. “I’m being treated unfairly,” he argued, further accusing Freeman and Moss’s legal team of using “intimidation tactics” to push him into financial ruin.
Giuliani’s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, also called out the opposing legal team, claiming they were attempting to “bully and intimidate” Giuliani to strip him of his possessions and wealth. The legal team representing Freeman and Moss, however, refutes these claims, emphasizing that Giuliani has not cooperated with the asset turnover process, hence the need for court intervention.
The judge had initially scheduled a phone conference to discuss the issue but later changed the session to a mandatory in-person hearing at Manhattan federal court after learning about the cleared-out apartment. Liman also denied Giuliani’s legal team’s request to delay the court appearance or conduct it remotely.
Background of the Defamation Case
The $148 million judgment against Giuliani was reached after he was found liable for defamation for promoting baseless allegations that Freeman and Moss were involved in fraudulent ballot counting during the 2020 election. These claims contributed to the atmosphere of distrust and fear during Trump’s post-election period, where numerous false claims about election fraud were promoted by Trump allies.
Giuliani’s statements incited significant public harassment and intimidation towards Freeman and Moss, who reported facing threats of violence. The accusations became part of a broader effort to overturn the election results, with Giuliani frequently repeating these claims despite a lack of supporting evidence.
Giuliani’s Legal and Financial Struggles Continue
Rudy Giuliani’s appearance in New York federal court underscores his ongoing legal and financial troubles as he battles the consequences of his actions during the 2020 election. While Giuliani has repeatedly called the judgment a form of “political persecution,” Judge Liman’s orders signal that the courts are determined to enforce the terms of the defamation ruling.
For Freeman and Moss, the judgment represents a victory in their effort to clear their names and hold Giuliani accountable. But as Giuliani fights to protect what he calls “heirlooms” and valuable items, the court’s demands are likely to continue, placing pressure on the former mayor as he faces mounting financial challenges.
As the case unfolds, Giuliani’s defiance in the face of asset seizure orders sheds light on the high-profile legal battles that have plagued Trump allies following the 2020 election. The judgment and its enforcement will likely remain a focal point in discussions around accountability and political consequences in the U.S.
