Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani faces a substantial forfeiture of personal assets following a landmark legal decision in a defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers.
Salon reported that U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman has ordered Giuliani to surrender his Manhattan penthouse and numerous luxury items to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who were awarded $150 million in damages.
The Tuesday ruling gives Giuliani just seven days to relinquish possession of his valuable assets, including his Manhattan residence valued at approximately $5 million, multiple luxury timepieces, and various collectible items.
The court's decision affects a significant portion of Giuliani's personal property, encompassing both real estate and luxury possessions. The former attorney for Donald Trump must part with his Manhattan apartment, more than two dozen watches, and a vintage 1980 Mercedes-Benz.
Judge Liman rejected Giuliani's request to retain one watch with family significance, emphasizing the paramount importance of satisfying the judgment. The decision reinforces the court's commitment to ensuring proper compensation for the plaintiffs.
The ruling also grants Freeman and Moss access to approximately $2 million in legal fees owed to Giuliani by the Trump campaign, further strengthening their position in collecting the judgment.
Freeman and Moss, who served as ballot counters during Georgia's 2020 election, became targets of Giuliani's false accusations about election fraud. Their legal victory stems from the severe harassment and death threats they endured following these baseless claims.
Judge Liman addressed the issue of sentimental value in his ruling, explaining that personal attachment to items cannot supersede the obligation to satisfy the court-ordered payment. This decision reinforces the principle that debtors cannot maintain luxurious lifestyles while owing substantial judgments.
Court documents filed earlier this year reveal the substantial value of Giuliani's assets included in the transfer. The Manhattan penthouse represents the most valuable single item at $5 million.
The vintage Mercedes-Benz has been valued at approximately $25,000, while the combined worth of Giuliani's sports memorabilia and jewelry collection approaches $30,000. These valuations helped inform the court's decision regarding asset distribution.
The fate of Giuliani's Palm Beach, Florida condominium remains undetermined, with Judge Liman yet to rule on its inclusion in the asset transfer.
The resolution of this defamation case marks a significant moment in addressing false election fraud claims and their consequences. Giuliani's forfeiture of substantial assets demonstrates the serious ramifications of spreading unfounded allegations about election workers.
The court order requires the transfer of his Manhattan penthouse, luxury vehicles, and valuable collectibles to Freeman and Moss. The ruling awaits final determination regarding additional properties, including his Florida condominium. This case establishes a precedent for accountability in cases involving defamation of election workers.
