Rudy Giuliani has surrendered high-value personal properties.
According to AP News, former New York Mayor and attorney Rudy Giuliani has turned over luxury watches and a historical Mercedes-Benz to settle a $148 million defamation judgment.
Giuliani relinquished items including multiple watches and a vintage car, which once belonged to Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall, to Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
The defamation case stems from Giuliani's false allegations of election fraud against the two during the 2020 presidential elections. These claims resulted in severe personal consequences for Freeman and Moss.
The judgment enforcement saw a variety of assets turned over. Watches and a ring were delivered via FedEx to a bank vault in Atlanta, Georgia, ensuring a secure transfer. Meanwhile, the 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 was handed over in Hialeah, Florida.
In addition to tangible properties, an undisclosed sum was withdrawn from Giuliani's Citibank accounts to further comply with the court's decision. This action reflects the extensive reach of the judgment against Giuliani, impacting both his personal collections and financial assets.
Joseph Cammarata, the lawyer representing Giuliani, raised concerns about the handling of the asset turnovers. He argued that the direct transfer of the Mercedes-Benz without a prior appraisal could infringe Giuliani’s legal rights. "Just ordering the vehicle to be turned over to the Plaintiffs without any appraisal has taken away Defendant’s statutory and constitutional rights," Cammarata expressed in a formal letter.
Certain assets, such as clothing, furniture, and personal items, are considered exempt under law and do not qualify to satisfy the judgment criteria.
Cammarata points out that nonexempt items like vintage cars and watches are to be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the plaintiffs instead of direct possession.
Among the assets listed in the judgment are a $5 million apartment in Upper East Side, New York, numerous luxury watches, and a shirt autographed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. These items highlight the substantial value and variety of Giuliani's possessions subjected to the court order.
Joseph Cammarata further emphasized the resolution of his client to challenge the enforcement. “We will not relent," he stated, indicating ongoing legal efforts to contest the judgment's execution.
Ted Goodman, spokesperson for Giuliani, criticized the forfeiture of these valuable items. “This right here folks, this is the accumulation of 60 years of hard work,” he noted, referencing the collection of watches. Goodman also condemned the judicial decision, declaring, “What’s happening is wrong. It’s shameful and we must restore the integrity of the U.S. justice system.”
Rudy Giuliani himself has vocalized his displeasure, terming the ordeal a "case of political persecution." He described the verdict as "ridiculous" and has indicated hopes to overturn the judgment on appeal.
This case underlines the repercussions of defamation and the severe personal and financial consequences it can bring about. As the legal processes continue, both Giuliani and the plaintiffs remain entrenched in their positions, forecasting more developments in this high-stakes legal battle.
