Giuliani’s Manhattan Residence Confiscated in Multi-Million Dollar Legal Battle

Man in suit with glasses thinking deeply.

Rudy Giuliani faces court-ordered surrender of Manhattan apartment and luxury items in $148 million defamation case.

At a Glance

Giuliani ordered to turn over $5 million apartment, luxury watches, and other assets
Assets to be seized following $148 million defamation judgment
Former Georgia election workers Freeman and Moss to receive compensation
Giuliani claims unfair trial, plans to appeal the judgment

Court Orders Seizure of Giuliani’s Assets

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is facing a severe legal setback as a federal judge has ordered him to surrender his Manhattan apartment and various luxury items to two former Georgia election workers. This action follows a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani for falsely accusing the workers of ballot fraud during the 2020 election.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman has mandated that Giuliani relinquish his $5 million apartment, a 1980 Mercedes, and 26 luxury watches, among other possessions. The order came after Giuliani failed to comply with previous directives to turn over these assets to Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, the election workers who successfully sued him for defamation.

Moving company expected at Giuliani's NYC apartment after missed deadline for asset handover | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/sB9MCt1Io6

— WMTW TV (@WMTWTV) October 31, 2024

Legal Proceedings and Giuliani’s Response

The court has authorized a moving company representative and lawyers for Freeman and Moss to access Giuliani’s apartment to assess and estimate the cost of moving the items. This development marks a significant escalation in the enforcement of the defamation judgment against the former mayor.

“It will probably be one of the most unfair trials in American history, with the exception of the J6 people,” said Rudy Giuliani.

Giuliani, who recently voted in Florida, maintains his belief that the judgment will be overturned on appeal, citing what he perceives as an unfair trial. His legal team has expressed confidence in the appeal process, stating that they expect the plaintiffs will be required to return all seized property once the judgment is reversed.

Impact on Giuliani’s Finances and Legal Strategy

The court order has put Giuliani in a precarious financial position. In addition to the Manhattan apartment, he must surrender various valuable items, including a signed shirt and picture by Yankees legends, a diamond ring, costume jewelry, and 26 watches from luxury brands such as Rolex. The total value of these assets is expected to reach several million dollars.

Giuliani’s legal defense fund has been actively soliciting donations, framing the situation as an attempt to ruin him by taking his home and belongings. His spokesperson, Ted Goodman, has characterized the court order as unfair punishment by “partisan, political activists” aiming to make an example of Giuliani.

A moving company representative and lawyers were expected to be given access to Rudy Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment on Thursday after the former New York City mayor failed to turn over belongings to two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment…

— PBS News (@NewsHour) October 31, 2024

Implications for Freeman and Moss

For Freeman and Moss, this development represents a significant step towards receiving compensation for the harm they suffered due to Giuliani’s false accusations. The court has appointed them as “receivers,” allowing them to take possession and sell Giuliani’s assets, with proceeds going into a trust account.

“We are proud that our clients will finally begin to receive some of the compensation to which they are entitled for Giuliani’s actions. This outcome should send a powerful message that there is a price to pay for those who choose to intentionally spread disinformation,” said Aaron Nathan, a lawyer for Freeman and Moss.

The case continues to unfold, with a status report on property exchanges due by Monday and a status conference scheduled for November 7 if assets are not turned over. As Giuliani’s appeal remains pending in a federal appeals court in Washington, the legal battle over his assets and reputation is far from over.