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A federal judge in New York City found Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court on Monday (January 6) for failing to turn over assets related to a $148 million defamation judgment awarded to two Georgia election workers. Judge Lewis J. Liman issued the ruling after Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and personal attorney to President-elect Donald Trump, did not comply with court orders to provide necessary documentation and assets.
The defamation case stems from Giuliani's false claims that election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea "Shaye" Moss tampered with ballots during the 2020 presidential election. In 2023, Giuliani was found liable for defamation, resulting in the substantial judgment. During a two-day contempt hearing, Giuliani testified that he withheld certain materials, arguing that some requests were overly broad or inappropriate. He also cited the strain of ongoing legal battles, which he claimed made it difficult to comply with all requests.
Despite surrendering some property, including a Mercedes-Benz and his Manhattan apartment, Giuliani has not provided the paperwork necessary to monetize these assets. He has also failed to turn over sports memorabilia and watches, including a Joe DiMaggio jersey, and has not transferred any funds from his nonexempt cash accounts. Giuliani testified that he is investigating the whereabouts of the DiMaggio jersey.
Aaron Nathan, an attorney for the election workers, urged the court to consider Giuliani's incomplete disclosures as evidence that his Palm Beach condominium is not his primary residence, making it eligible for seizure. Giuliani's attorney, Joseph Cammarata, argued against this, calling it a civil "death penalty" that would unjustly strip Giuliani of his Florida residence before a mid-January trial. Giuliani maintains that the Palm Beach property is his primary residence and should be protected from the judgment. His legal team is confident that an appeal will secure his ownership of the disputed items.