Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor,” now faces potential contempt charges and financial ruin as he struggles to comply with court orders in a defamation case.
At a Glance
- Giuliani ordered to appear at contempt hearing on January 3, 2025, for failing to turn over assets in $148 million defamation judgment
- Found liable for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss
- Claims to have turned over significant assets but cites financial difficulties and restricted account access
- Faces potential fines or imprisonment for noncompliance with court orders
- Separate trial scheduled for January 16 regarding Florida residence and World Series rings
Giuliani’s Legal and Financial Woes Escalate
Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and confidant of former President Donald Trump, is facing a mounting legal and financial crisis. A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to appear at a contempt hearing on January 3, 2025, due to his alleged failure to turn over assets as part of a $148 million defamation judgment. This latest development comes as Giuliani grapples with the consequences of his role in propagating false claims about the 2020 election.
The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s false accusations against Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. He claimed they had engaged in ballot tampering during the 2020 election, allegations that were proven baseless. The jury’s substantial award has pushed Giuliani to file for bankruptcy, further complicating his ability to satisfy the judgment.
The two former Georgia election workers who won an almost $150 million defamation judgment against former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani want him held in civil contempt for continuing to falsely accuse them of committing election fraud in the 2020 election. https://t.co/t2gxZeyofu
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 21, 2024
Asset Surrender and Compliance Disputes
At the heart of the current legal battle is Giuliani’s compliance with court orders to surrender various assets. These include a New York apartment lease, a Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt. Giuliani insists he has made significant efforts to comply with the court’s demands, but the plaintiffs argue that his compliance has been incomplete.
“I respectfully submit that the items which I was required to turn over, I turned over. The Court should see that I gave everything that I could give,” Rudy Giuliani said.
Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, has accused the election workers’ counsel of engaging in “lawfare” against his client. “Their mission is to destroy Mayor Giuliani,” Cammarata stated. This aggressive legal pursuit has put Giuliani in a precarious position, with his financial resources dwindling and legal options narrowing.
Potential Consequences and Ongoing Legal Battles
The upcoming contempt hearing will determine whether Giuliani faces additional penalties for his alleged noncompliance. These could include fines or even imprisonment. Judge Lewis J. Liman has expressed concern over Giuliani’s adherence to court orders, setting the stage for a tense legal showdown.
“I don’t have a car. I don’t have a credit card. I don’t have cash. I can’t pay my bills,” Rudy Giuliani said.
Haven’t they punished him enough?
Giuliani’s legal troubles extend beyond this case. He is scheduled for another court appearance in Washington, D.C. on January 10, facing allegations of repeating defamatory statements. Additionally, a separate trial on January 16 will scrutinize his Florida residence and World Series rings, further complicating his financial and legal situation.
Ex-Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani should be held in civil contempt and sanctioned for continuing to spread false claims about the 2020 election, Georgia election workers argued in a court filing Wednesday. https://t.co/pyFwx9mv2R https://t.co/pyFwx9mv2R
— Forbes (@Forbes) November 20, 2024
What they are doing to America’s Mayor just seems sick, don’t you think?