Rudy Giuliani faces potential contempt charges as he struggles to comply with court orders in a $148 million defamation case.
At a Glance
- Federal judge orders Giuliani to appear at contempt hearing on January 3, 2025
- Giuliani found liable for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss
- Assets in question include a New York apartment lease, Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and signed Joe DiMaggio shirt
- Giuliani claims financial difficulties and restricted access to accounts
- Potential penalties include fines or imprisonment for noncompliance
Giuliani’s Legal Troubles Mount
Rudy Giuliani, once celebrated as “America’s Mayor,” now finds himself embroiled in a legal quagmire stemming from his involvement in false claims about the 2020 election.
And it just keeps getting worse.
The former New York City Mayor has been ordered to appear at a contempt hearing on January 3, 2025, due to his alleged failure to turn over assets in a $148 million defamation judgment.
The defamation case involves Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom Giuliani falsely accused of ballot tampering during the 2020 election. Judge Lewis J. Liman has expressed concern over Giuliani’s compliance with court orders, leading to the upcoming contempt hearing.
Assets Under Scrutiny
The assets in question include a New York apartment lease, a Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt. Giuliani’s Florida residence and World Series rings are also under scrutiny in a separate trial scheduled for January 16. Despite claims of compliance, Freeman and Moss dispute this, insisting on unresolved asset transfers.
“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.
Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, has accused the election workers’ counsel of engaging in “lawfare” against his client. However, attorneys for Freeman and Moss argue that Giuliani violated an agreement to stop repeating falsehoods, suggesting sanctions for his recent statements on social media.
In his defense, Giuliani claims to have turned over significant assets but cites delays beyond his control. He argues that he has complied “fully or substantially” with court orders and did not intentionally disobey them. The former mayor insists he has delivered 42 pieces of property as ordered, including items from storage facilities.
“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.
However, logistical issues remain, such as his ex-wife’s name on the car title. The election workers’ attorneys argue that Giuliani has not turned over specific items, including a Mercedes Benz title and keys to his penthouse.
The January 3 hearing will determine potential penalties for Giuliani’s noncompliance, which could include fines or imprisonment. This is just one of many legal battles Giuliani faces, as he is scheduled for another court appearance in D.C. on January 10 for allegedly repeating defamatory statements.
What they are doing to America’s Mayor is just cruel.
