Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and attorney for Donald Trump, is held in contempt of court for not complying with orders to surrender assets to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom he defamed following the 2020 presidential election. Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Liman issues the contempt ruling after Giuliani repeatedly missed deadlines to provide necessary information and failed to turn over specified assets.
In 2023, Freeman and Moss were awarded a $148 million defamation judgment after Giuliani falsely accused them of election fraud. Despite the court’s directives, Giuliani has not fully disclosed his assets or complied with orders to surrender items, including his Palm Beach condominium, luxury watches, and New York Yankees memorabilia. His non-compliance leads Judge Liman to compare his actions to a “shell game,” indicating deliberate attempts to obscure asset ownership.
Giuliani’s defense cites the overwhelming demands of multiple legal proceedings as reasons for his delays and non-compliance. However, Judge Liman finds these excuses unconvincing, describing them as “preposterous.” The judge emphasizes that Giuliani’s failure to adhere to court orders hampers the enforcement of the defamation judgment and undermines the legal process.
A hearing to determine the consequences of the contempt ruling is scheduled for January 16. Potential penalties may include fines or further legal actions to compel compliance. This development adds to Giuliani’s mounting legal challenges, including indictments in Georgia and Arizona related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The case underscores the legal repercussions of disseminating false information and the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing judgments against those who defame individuals without evidence. Freeman and Moss’s ordeal highlights the personal and professional toll of being targeted by unfounded conspiracy theories, and the court’s actions affirm the importance of accountability in such cases.
