(NationalUSNews.com) — New York court officials have called Rudy Giuliani to testify after he filed a bankruptcy claim following his loss in a defamation lawsuit. Giuliani defamed several 2020 presidential election workers and said they helped overturn the election’s results in President Joe Biden’s favor. After a lengthy court battle for the defamatory statements, a court ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the aforementioned election workers. Giuliani filed for bankruptcy after the court ordered the settlement payment, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his bankruptcy claim.
A New York court ordered Giuliani to testify about his finances in February to determine whether or not he could pay the court-ordered damages. The bankruptcy filing isn’t the first instance of Giuliani claiming he shouldn’t pay the court-ordered amount, as he also made requests to prevent collections from Freeman and Moss and requested an exception to pursue a modification of the court-ordered payment amount. Giuliani’s request would also potentially enable a second trial with a different outcome.
Giuliani’s bankruptcy claim requires him to meet with creditors and answer questions under oath. The bankruptcy filing also prevents further actions or collections by Moss and Freeman, enabling Giuliani to avoid payment until his status as bankrupt is validated or disproven. It also prevents additional action against Giuliani, such as having his wages garnished, his property repossessed, or any debt collection attempts. Creditors also can’t demand payment from Giuliani during the bankruptcy process.
Neither Giuliani’s attorney nor Freeman nor Moss’s legal representative are commenting on the development at this time. Giuliani’s case made national headlines due to his outspoken claims of election fraud and his decision to avoid testifying during his defamation trial. During his trial’s proceedings, Giuliani made more defaming statements about Freeman and Moss, causing the pair to sue him a second time for defamation. Giuliani said he didn’t defame the women and accused the two of being overly litigious.
The bankruptcy notice requires Giuliani to attend any proceedings in person, but the former New York City mayor might avoid attendance if possible. Giuliani famously skipped most of his defamation trial, causing his attorney to constantly explain excuses relating to his chronic absences. Despite his loss in the defamation suit, Giuliani maintains that he didn’t defame Moss or Freeman and that he isn’t able to pay the two the $148 million in damages.
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