In a significant legal development, former New York mayor and Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge to relinquish control of his luxury possessions and his Manhattan apartment to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. This ruling stems from Giuliani’s defamatory statements about the two women, for which he now owes a staggering $150 million.
Court Ruling Details
Federal Judge Lewis Liman of Manhattan has issued a clear directive: Giuliani must transfer his interest in a penthouse apartment and various luxury items to Freeman and Moss within seven days. Here’s what you need to know:
- Control of Property: The women will manage a receivership for the penthouse, allowing them to sell it, potentially for millions.
- Valuable Items: Giuliani must hand over an array of high-value possessions, including:
- A collection of watches gifted by European leaders post-9/11
- A signed Joe DiMaggio jersey and other sports memorabilia
- A vintage 1980 Mercedes previously owned by Lauren Bacall
- Furniture, jewelry, and a television
Financial Implications
In addition to transferring his assets, Giuliani is responsible for covering approximately $2 million in legal fees that the Trump campaign owes him, according to the judge’s ruling. This decision is part of a broader effort to enforce the judgment against Giuliani following a jury’s December verdict.
Breakdown of Damages:
- Total Damages: Nearly $150 million awarded to Freeman and Moss for defamation.
- Specifics:
- $16,171,000 to Freeman
- $16,998,000 to Moss
- $20 million each for emotional distress
- $75 million in punitive damages
Background of the Case
The defamation case against Giuliani highlights the fallout from his promotion of false claims regarding election fraud during the 2020 election. Freeman and Moss, who worked as election workers in Georgia, were falsely accused of ballot tampering, leading to severe repercussions for their reputations and safety.
Impact on Freeman and Moss:
- Emotional Distress: The women have reported significant emotional and reputational harm due to Giuliani’s statements.
- Safety Concerns: Their safety has been jeopardised due to public backlash following the accusations.
Consequences for Giuliani
This case serves as a glaring example of the repercussions faced by lawyers involved in Trump’s election subversion efforts. Giuliani, once a celebrated U.S. Attorney, has seen his career and reputation unravel due to his actions:
- Lost Law License: Giuliani has been stripped of his law licence following his involvement in spreading false election claims.
- Ongoing Investigations: Disciplinary actions against other former Trump lawyers are also in progress.
- Settlements by Right-Wing Media: Outlets like Fox News have faced lawsuits linked to similar conspiracy theories surrounding the election.
The Future of Giuliani’s Assets
While Judge Liman has ruled on the majority of Giuliani’s possessions, the fate of a few assets remains unclear:
- Palm Beach Condominium: The judge has not yet decided if Giuliani can retain control of this property.
- Yankees World Series Rings: There is contention over whether Giuliani’s son rightfully owns these rings, which complicates the matter further.
Conclusion
The court’s ruling against Giuliani underscores the serious implications of spreading misinformation, particularly concerning something as critical as the electoral process. As Freeman and Moss work to reclaim their lives and reputations, Giuliani faces the reality of significant financial loss and professional disarray. This case is a reminder of accountability in the legal and political arenas.
