Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to surrender a variety of prized possessions, including luxury watches and a New York City apartment, to two Georgia election workers who secured a $148 million defamation judgment against him. This judgment stems from Giuliani’s unfounded claims of election fraud related to the 2020 presidential election, which placed these workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, in danger.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan, mandates Giuliani to relinquish items such as a 1980 Mercedes previously owned by noted actress Lauren Bacall, over two dozen luxury watches, and other significant memorabilia. However, Giuliani will retain three New York Yankees World Series rings and his Florida condominium for the time being, as these assets are currently entangled in separate legal proceedings.
Following the recent court order, Giuliani is required to hand over his Manhattan residence, which is worth more than $5 million, and a substantial debt of approximately $2 million owed to him by Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
The assets Giuliani must surrender are anticipated to generate millions for Freeman and Moss. Their defamation case highlighted the severe threats and public backlash they faced due to Giuliani’s rhetoric, culminating in a jury awarding them a $148 million verdict.
Included among the items Freeman and Moss will receive are a signed photograph and a jersey from Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio and Reggie Jackson, as well as various luxury watches and jewelry. Giuliani previously estimated the total value of these assets to be significant, but he has not specified a precise amount for the sports memorabilia.
Judge Liman dismissed Giuliani’s plea to retain specific items of sentimental value, asserting that Giuliani failed to demonstrate their worth was below $1,000 to qualify for exemption from the ruling. The judge emphasized that living in luxury while owing substantial debts contradicts the principles of justice intended by New York’s laws.
Furthermore, Freeman and Moss will be permitted to sell the surrendered assets promptly. Giuliani’s attempts to bar the sale pending an appeal were also rejected by the court.
Giuliani has yet to fulfill his financial obligation
As of now, Giuliani has not compensated Freeman and Moss at all. Their attorney expressed satisfaction that the women will begin to receive compensation for the damages caused by Giuliani’s actions, underscoring the importance of accountability in the wake of the deliberate spread of misinformation.
Regarding the World Series rings, Giuliani’s son Andrew claims ownership of these items, alleging they were gifted to him by his father. This assertion, along with other ongoing disputes over Giuliani’s assets, remains under judicial consideration.
Giuliani’s Palm Beach condominium, valued at over $3 million, is also a subject of legal contention, with implications resting on whether it qualifies as a primary residence. The court will address this matter in a future hearing.
Following the substantial judgment, Giuliani filed for bankruptcy, which momentarily paused the enforcement of the award. However, a judge later dismissed the bankruptcy filing due to Giuliani’s lack of cooperation during the proceedings.
