Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's courtroom demeanor sparked tension during a heated confrontation with Manhattan Judge Lewis Liman.
According to The Washington Examiner, the explosive exchange occurred when Giuliani erupted at the judge over requirements to surrender assets, including a vintage Mercedes convertible, as part of his nearly $150 million defamation payment obligation to Georgia election workers.
The contentious hearing centered on Giuliani's compliance with court orders to surrender various assets. The former mayor's outburst was triggered by questions regarding his failure to provide proper documentation for the vintage vehicle, leading to a stern warning from Judge Liman about future courtroom conduct.
The court session focused on the transfer of Giuliani's 1980 Mercedes convertible, with prosecutors emphasizing that without proper title documentation, the physical surrender of the vehicle was insufficient.
Judge Liman expressed frustration at the incomplete transfer process, highlighting the necessity of proper documentation.
Giuliani, visibly agitated, defended his actions regarding the vehicle transfer. His emotional response included assertions about his financial situation, though he adamantly rejected claims of financial hardship.
During the heated exchange, Giuliani proclaimed to the court:
I'm not impoverished. ... Everything I have is tied up. I don't have a car. I don't have a credit card. I don't have cash.
The defamation case resulted in a substantial judgment requiring Giuliani to relinquish numerous valuable possessions. These items include his Manhattan penthouse apartment and several personal treasures, such as watches gifted by European presidents following 9/11 and valuable sports memorabilia.
The court is still deliberating on additional asset transfers, including Giuliani's Palm Beach condominium and New York Yankees World Series rings. The rings' ownership is contested, as Giuliani's son Andrew claims they were gifted to him.
Judge Liman issued a strict warning regarding behavior in the courtroom, making it clear that any further interruptions would result in consequences. He emphasized that if it happens again, the individual involved will lose their right to speak, and the court will respond accordingly.
The confrontation in Manhattan's courtroom represents the latest development in Rudy Giuliani's legal challenges stemming from his defamation of Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss.
The former mayor faces the obligation to pay nearly $150 million in damages, including $33.2 million for defamation and $40 million for emotional distress, plus $75 million in punitive damages.
The case continues to unfold with upcoming hearings to determine the fate of remaining assets, including his Palm Beach property and baseball memorabilia. While Giuliani's estimated net worth in 2023 was reported to be below $50 million, the court maintained its position on asset seizure to satisfy the judgment against him.
