Giuliani Ordered to Surrender Assets in Landmark Defamation Case A Win for Election Workers

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has ordered former New York Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani to surrender his valuable possessions and his Manhattan penthouse apartment to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the Georgia election workers he defamed. This ruling comes after Giuliani was found liable for defamation, with a judgment totaling $150 million against him.

Swift Justice Property Control Handed Over to Freeman and Moss

Judge Lewis Liman of the federal court in Manhattan has mandated that Giuliani transfer his interest in the Manhattan property within seven days to a receivership controlled by Freeman and Moss. This decision allows the women to sell the penthouse, potentially reaping millions from the luxury asset.

In addition to the apartment, the judge’s order includes Giuliani’s collection of valuable items, such as several watches gifted by European presidents following the September 11 attacks, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, and a vintage 1980 Mercedes once owned by actress Lauren Bacall. Giuliani will also surrender furniture, a television, and various jewelry pieces.

Ongoing Legal Battles A Wider Impact on Trump’s Allies

Freeman and Moss, who faced public vilification after counting ballots during the 2020 election, will also receive about $2 million in unpaid legal fees that Giuliani claims the Trump campaign owes him. This ruling exemplifies the consequences faced by lawyers involved in Trump’s election-related activities, with Giuliani himself having lost his law license for spreading false claims about the election.The defamation suit against Giuliani is part of a broader trend, as other right-wing media outlets, including Fox News, have settled lawsuits related to false election conspiracy theories.

Emotional and Financial Repercussions for Defamed Workers

Freeman and Moss have asserted that Giuliani’s defamatory statements have caused them significant emotional distress and jeopardized their safety. The court awarded Freeman approximately $16 million and Moss nearly $17 million for defamation, alongside punitive damages aimed at holding Giuliani accountable for his actions.

A hearing regarding the status of Giuliani’s Florida condominium and his New York Yankees World Series rings is scheduled for next Monday, as the legal saga continues.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment for Freeman and Moss as they seek justice and restitution for the harm they endured. The case underscores the importance of accountability for misinformation and defamation, especially in the realm of electoral integrity. As Giuliani faces the consequences of his actions, it remains to be seen how this will impact other individuals involved in similar controversies.