Rudy Giuliani Accuses Defamation Judgment of “Political Persecution”
An angry, animated, and combative Rudy Giuliani said a civil case to take his most prized assets was like “a political persecution” before he entered a New York City courthouse Thursday to explain to a federal judge why he hasn’t surrendered his valuables as part of a $148 million defamation judgment.
Judge’s Order
Judge Lewis Liman ordered the former New York City mayor to report to court after lawyers for the two former Georgia election workers who were awarded the massive judgment visited Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment last week only to discover it had been cleared out weeks earlier.
The Possessions
The possessions include his $5 million Upper East Side apartment, a 1980 Mercedes once owned by movie star Lauren Bacall, a shirt signed by New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio, dozens of luxury watches, and other valuables.
Court Proceedings
When he arrived at Manhattan federal court, Giuliani told reporters that he has not stood in the way of the court’s orders.
“Every bit of property that they want is available, if they are entitled to it,” he said. “Now, the law says they’re not entitled to a lot of them. For example, they want my grandfather’s watch, which is 150 years old. That’s a bit of an heirloom. Usually you don’t get those unless you’re involved in a political persecution. In fact, having me here today is like a political persecution.”
Judge’s Response
The judge said the heirloom watch was not exempt from being turned over, telling the packed courtroom, “if they owe a debt, they have to pay a debt, it doesn’t matter if it was handed down.”
Outcome
Liman ordered Giuliani by Monday to hand over the keys and title to the Mercedes, which he was seen riding in outside a Florida polling place ahead of the election. The other property — including the watches, jewelry, money, and furniture — must be turned over by November 15, the judge ordered.
Conclusion
Rudy Giuliani’s court appearance was marked by his combative demeanor, as he accused the defamation judgment of being “a political persecution.” However, Judge Liman was not swayed by Giuliani’s arguments, ordering him to surrender his valuables to pay off the $148 million judgment.
FAQs
Q: What is the defamation judgment against Rudy Giuliani?
A: Giuliani was found liable for defamation for falsely accusing two Georgia election workers of ballot fraud.
Q: What is the amount of the defamation judgment?
A: The judgment is $148 million.
Q: What possessions must Giuliani surrender?
A: Giuliani must surrender his $5 million Upper East Side apartment, a 1980 Mercedes, a shirt signed by Joe DiMaggio, dozens of luxury watches, and other valuables.
Q: What is the deadline for Giuliani to surrender the possessions?
A: Giuliani must surrender the possessions by November 15.
Q: Has Giuliani been cooperating with the court’s orders?
A: Giuliani’s lawyers have argued that he has been cooperating, but the judge expressed skepticism about their claims.
Q: Will Giuliani appeal the defamation judgment?
A: Giuliani has already indicated that he will appeal the judgment.
