NEW YORK, USA – In a pivotal turn in the ongoing defamation case against Rudy Giuliani, a federal judge has mandated the former New York City mayor’s court appearance following claims that he is concealing assets to evade a nearly $150 million judgment owed to election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.
Giuliani, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, defamed Freeman and Moss over their roles in Georgia’s 2020 election processes, leading to the substantial damages awarded to the workers earlier this year.
The directive from Judge Lewis Liman comes after Freeman and Moss reported that they discovered Giuliani’s $6 million Manhattan residence significantly emptied.
During a recent visit, Freeman and Moss’ attorneys noted that valuable sports memorabilia and much of the high-end furniture were missing from the premises.
Among the assets Giuliani was ordered to surrender are a 1980 Mercedes-Benz and 26 luxury watches, which have yet to be transferred to Freeman and Moss as required by court orders.
Freeman and Moss’ legal team argued in court filings that these missing items are an attempt by Giuliani to obscure his wealth.
Giuliani’s lawyers countered, stating that the assets had been transferred to a Long Island storage facility.
However, Freeman and Moss’ attorneys claimed they encountered obstacles in accessing this location.
Judge Liman rejected a motion from Giuliani’s legal counsel to excuse him from Thursday’s court appearance, pointing out that Giuliani’s recent media appearances—considered his primary income stream—should not interfere with his legal obligations.
The judge further highlighted the need for transparency as Freeman and Moss continue to pursue the former mayor’s remaining assets, including a $3.5 million condominium in Palm Beach where Giuliani currently resides.
Also of interest are four Yankees World Series rings reportedly gifted to Giuliani’s son, which Freeman and Moss have identified as potential assets.
This escalating case underscores Giuliani’s mounting financial strain as he remains a vocal advocate for Trump, navigating both media engagements and intense legal scrutiny over the handling of his assets.
