Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor, has been ordered to surrender his Manhattan apartment and luxury items to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment.
At a Glance
- Giuliani must turn over his Manhattan apartment valued at over $5 million
- Assets to be liquidated include 26 luxury watches and $2 million owed by Trump’s 2020 campaign
- Court denied Giuliani’s request to delay asset turnover pending appeal
- Judgment stems from false claims about two Georgia election workers in 2020
- Judge emphasized Giuliani cannot maintain a luxury lifestyle while owing judgment debt
Court Orders Immediate Asset Surrender
A federal court has mandated that Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor,” must relinquish significant assets to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment. The ruling stems from false claims Giuliani made about two Georgia election workers following the 2020 presidential election. The court’s decision requires Giuliani to surrender his Manhattan apartment, valued at over $5 million, along with a collection of luxury items.
The assets to be liquidated include a collection of 26 luxury watches, including Rolex timepieces, and a $2 million debt owed by former President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign. Additionally, Giuliani must turn over signed Yankees memorabilia and diamond jewelry. The court emphasized the need for quick liquidation to maximize the sale value for the plaintiffs, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
A federal judge ordered Rudy Giuliani to turn over much of his property, including his apartment in New York and a collection of luxury watches, to two Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him https://t.co/uTa4ZUO4U9
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 22, 2024
Legal Implications and Rejections
The court’s decision highlights the serious legal consequences of making unsubstantiated claims about election processes. Judge Lewis Liman rejected Giuliani’s request to delay the asset turnover pending appeal, underlining the immediacy of the judgment. Even Giuliani’s plea to keep a family heirloom watch for sentimental reasons was denied.
“However painful the circumstances, a party cannot claim that every family heirloom should be exempt.” – Judge Lewis Liman
This ruling sends a clear message about the balance between free speech and accountability in modern America. It demonstrates that even high-profile individuals are not immune to the legal ramifications of their statements, especially when those statements lead to harm against others.
Ongoing Disputes and Financial Struggles
While the Manhattan apartment and many luxury items are to be surrendered, some assets remain under dispute. Giuliani’s Florida condominium is temporarily protected due to separate ongoing litigation. Three New York Yankees World Series rings, claimed by Giuliani’s son Andrew as gifts, also remain in contention.
“We are proud that our clients will finally begin to receive some of the compensation to which they are entitled for Giuliani’s actions. This outcome should send a powerful message that there is a price to pay for those who choose to intentionally spread disinformation.” – Aaron Nathan
Giuliani’s financial troubles extend beyond this case. A previous bankruptcy filing was dismissed due to non-compliance with court procedures, further complicating his financial situation. The court has made it clear that Giuliani cannot maintain a luxury lifestyle while owing such a significant judgment debt.
Rudy Giuliani must hand over keys of his Manhattan apartment penthouse to Georgia election workers in defamation case https://t.co/K5BogdjTYC pic.twitter.com/Ybj98ZAapd
— Mail+ (@DailyMailUK) October 22, 2024
Implications for Public Figures and Free Speech
This case sets a precedent for how public figures may be held accountable for their statements, particularly those related to elections and democratic processes. It underscores the potential financial and personal consequences of spreading unsubstantiated claims, especially when they result in harm to others. As the legal process continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with public platforms and the importance of factual accuracy in political discourse.
Sources:
- Giuliani ordered to turn over NYC apartment, luxury watches to the Georgia election workers he defamed
- Judge orders Rudy Giuliani to surrender Manhattan apartment and other properties to Georgia election workers
- Giuliani must give up Manhattan apartment to Georgia election workers, judge rules
