Giuliani Ordered to Forfeit Assets to Election Workers in Defamation Case
A legal decision has been handed down requiring Rudy Giuliani to relinquish his Manhattan apartment and other valuables as part of a major defamation case in which he was found liable.
A federal judge ruled that Giuliani, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, owes roughly $150 million to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss for defaming them in the wake of the 2020 election, as National Review reports.
The items set to be forfeited include watches given by European officials after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, a Joe DiMaggio-autographed jersey, and a 1980 Mercedes with ties to Lauren Bacall.
Furniture, jewelry, and a television are also on the list, while the fate of Giuliani's Yankees World Series rings remains undecided by the court.
Manhattan Apartment Must Be Forfeited
On Tuesday, Judge Lewis Linman mandated that control over Giuliani's Manhattan property must transition to Freeman and Moss within a week through a receivership. This decisive ruling concludes a significant chapter in their long struggle to receive compensation for the harm caused by Giuliani's claims.
The defamation suit was rooted in Giuliani's public accusations during the 2020 election, which thrust Freeman and Moss into the limelight under unfavorable circumstances.
The claims made by Giuliani were said to have led to job losses and threats, pushing the women to say away from public view.
No Delays Allowed
In 2023, Giuliani placed his Upper East Side property on the market, initially pricing it at $6.5 million before reducing it to $5.1 million. Subsequently, his bankruptcy filing was dismissed, as it was perceived to be a tactic to avoid settling the court-determined debt to Freeman and Moss.
Judge Linman's ruling allowed for no constraints on the sale or legal actions concerning any additional items or interests subject to liquidation. Furthermore, the court dismissed Giuliani's request to safeguard his grandfather's watch, declaring it ineligible for exemption under the law.
Aside from losing his law license for disseminating what was said to be misinformation about the 2020 election, Giuliani faces legal challenges in Arizona and Georgia. His situation escalated to such a level that, in September 2023, former President Donald Trump organized a fundraiser at his New Jersey golf course to alleviate Giuliani's legal costs.
Giuliani Faces Additional Legal Challenges
Freeman and Moss have not sought publicity since the emergence of a video that circulated during the 2020 election vote count. Their victory in court, which extends beyond Giuliani to include judgments against media outlets Gateway Pundit and One America News Network, serves as a form of vindication.
Further legal proceedings are slated for next Monday to address the status of Giuliani's Palm Beach condominium, which might also be part of the forfeiture actions. Should the court rule similarly, further assets will be transferred to Freeman and Moss to meet the financial judgment.
Upcoming Hearing on Additional Assets
Among the collection of possessions to be handed over, notable items include rare memorabilia and luxury goods.
Watches of European origin and a baseball jersey with significant historical value are exemplary of Giuliani's taste and connections.
Aaron Nathan, attorney for the plaintiffs, remarked on the substantial ruling, emphasizing its implications for those who choose to spread misinformation, saying, "There is a price to pay." His comment serves as a reminder of the legal system's stance against defamatory practices.
In a conclusive analysis, Judge Linman upheld that only legitimate financial judgments could curtail attempts to sidestep accountability. This decision underscores the importance of legal redress in restoring reputations and countering defamatory actions.
Conclusion: Giuliani's Assets to Be Distributed
In summary, the court has decreed that significant assets held by Giuliani, including valuable items with both monetary and sentimental value, must be redistributed to compensate Freeman and Moss.
This series of events illustrates a substantial rebuke of Giuliani's conduct during and after the 2020 election, offering a measure of justice to the two Georgia workers.