A federal judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani, former attorney for Donald Trump and ex-New York mayor, to surrender his valuable possessions and Manhattan penthouse to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, Georgia election workers he defamed, for which he now owes $150 million.
Judge Lewis Liman stated that Giuliani must transfer his interest in these assets to the control of Freeman and Moss within seven days, allowing them to oversee a receivership. This ruling not only includes luxury items but also the penthouse, which could be sold for millions. Additionally, the women are entitled to approximately $2 million in legal fees from the Trump campaign that Giuliani claims are still unpaid.
The court order stipulates that Giuliani relinquish several watches he received from European presidents after 9/11, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, other sports memorabilia, and a 1980 Mercedes owned by actress Lauren Bacall. He is also required to hand over his television, furniture, and jewelry.
Regarding a Palm Beach condominium and Giuliani’s World Series rings, the judge has yet to announce a decision. Michael Gottlieb, representing Freeman and Moss, expressed that the ruling is a critical step toward enabling the clients to recover what was taken from them and emphasized the justice system’s role in holding powerful individuals accountable.
The receivership was deemed necessary for the transfer due to the unique nature of the property, with the judge highlighting its suitability for working with auction houses to maximize sale value.
Giuliani has faced professional repercussions for his actions related to false claims about the election, including the loss of his law license. In December, a federal jury ruled he must pay nearly $150 million for his defamatory statements concerning Freeman and Moss. Prior to the ruling, the two claimed significant emotional distress and reputational harm due to Giuliani’s false allegations of ballot tampering during the 2020 election.
A hearing regarding Giuliani’s Florida property is scheduled for next Monday.