A federal judge ruled on Monday that Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, is in contempt of court. This happened because he failed to cooperate with the order to hand over $11 million worth of his personal assets to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The workers had sued him for defamation after he falsely accused them of helping to steal the 2020 presidential election.
The judge, Lewis J. Liman, stated that Giuliani has not handed over most of the assets, which were supposed to go toward a $148 million judgment won by the election workers. While the judge hasn’t announced the penalties yet, being held in contempt could make it harder for Giuliani to keep his $3.5 million condo in Palm Beach, Florida.
Giuliani owns several valuable items, including a 10-room Manhattan apartment, a 1980 Mercedes-Benz convertible, 26 designer watches, and Yankees memorabilia. One key item, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, is missing. Giuliani is scheduled to return to court on January 16 to argue that his Palm Beach condo should not be taken because it is his main residence. However, he has avoided answering questions that could confirm this claim.
The judge criticized Giuliani for delaying the process, saying he was using excuses like being too busy with legal cases and relying on others to handle court matters. Giuliani also didn’t cooperate with requests for emails and other documents related to his residency or a list of professionals he has consulted since 2020.
During the hearing, Giuliani participated via video call, citing health problems. Judge Liman grew irritated at some of Giuliani’s behavior, including his choice of an American flag background, which the judge asked to be removed. Giuliani also failed to return to the hearing after the lunch break.
Giuliani admitted he hadn’t handed over some items, like a gold pocket watch from his grandfather, but said he was now willing to do so. However, the plaintiffs’ lawyers argued he was cherry-picking what to share and not providing a complete picture of his assets.
The judge agreed with the plaintiffs and said Giuliani “willfully violated” a clear court order. Sanctions could include fines or jail time. Giuliani’s spokesman called the decision politically motivated, while the lawyers for the election workers declined to comment.
This contempt ruling is the latest setback for Giuliani, whose original lawyers left the case in November, citing concerns over his lack of cooperation. He could also face more contempt charges in Washington, D.C., for continuing to make false claims about the election workers.
