A federal judge has ruled that Rudy Giuliani must turn over his New York City apartment, 26 watches, sports memorabilia, and a 1980 Mercedes to two Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan issued the ruling on Tuesday, specifying the assets Giuliani must relinquish to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
The defamation lawsuit stemmed from Giuliani’s false claims about ballot fraud related to the 2020 presidential election. The two election workers alleged that Giuliani’s misinformation led to death threats against them, causing them to fear for their safety. While Giuliani does not have to surrender his three New York Yankees World Series rings or his Florida condominium at this time due to other legal proceedings, he must hand over several valuable assets that are estimated to be worth millions.
Giuliani has been instructed to transfer his Manhattan apartment, valued at more than $5 million, and his interest in approximately $2 million owed to him by Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. The list of assets to be given to Freeman and Moss also includes a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 once owned by actress Lauren Bacall, memorabilia signed by Yankees legends, jewelry, and 26 watches, among which is a Rolex and items with sentimental value like a watch gifted by Giuliani’s grandfather.
Despite Giuliani’s request to delay the transfer of assets until after his appeal, the judge denied this and emphasized the urgency of satisfying the judgment owed to the plaintiffs. Giuliani has not yet made any payments towards the $148 million defamation judgment. In response to the ruling, Freeman and Moss’s lawyer expressed satisfaction that their clients would start receiving the compensation they deserve.
The case raises important issues about accountability for spreading disinformation and the consequences of defamation. It serves as a cautionary tale for public figures and highlights the legal repercussions of spreading falsehoods that can harm others. The outcome underscores the importance of fact-checking and responsible speech in the public sphere to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect individuals from unwarranted harm.