A judge in New York has warned Rudy Giuliani to comply with court orders to turn over his assets to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who won a $148 million defamation case against him. The judge stated that Giuliani must act “on pain of contempt” if he fails to surrender his belongings stored in a Long Island facility.
Freeman and Moss were falsely accused by Giuliani of committing election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani claimed they manipulated ballots in Fulton County, allegations that led to harassment and death threats against the women. Despite a jury finding Giuliani liable for defamation, he has delayed complying with court orders, including attempts to declare bankruptcy. A trial to address asset surrender is scheduled for January 2024.
The storage unit in question contains numerous assets, including 20 pallets of boxes and furniture. Giuliani has turned over some items, such as a Mercedes convertible and a watch collection, but lawyers for Freeman and Moss report that he has resisted fully cooperating. The court had ordered Giuliani to inventory and surrender the contents of the unit by November 15, but this process has been obstructed.
Freeman and Moss’s lawyers allege that attempts to inventory the unit have been met with interference and a social media campaign against them. Giuliani’s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, launched the hashtag #IStandWithRudy, accusing the legal proceedings of being unjust. Giuliani’s lawyer, Joseph Cammarata, held a press conference condemning the court order, calling it an attempt to prevent Giuliani from mounting a defense.
Additionally, a co-owner of the storage facility posted videos online showing Giuliani’s belongings, claiming the legal process was unfair and urging public support for Giuliani.
The campaign against Freeman and Moss has led to renewed online harassment, echoing the threats they faced in 2020. Comments on social media have included violent rhetoric, with calls for “retribution” against the women and the legal system. These actions have raised concerns about their safety and the ongoing impact of Giuliani’s false claims.
Freeman and Moss’s attorneys have asked the court to require Giuliani to organize and provide a detailed list of all items in the storage unit by December 6, with the assets to be delivered to the women by December 13. Giuliani’s civil contempt hearing is scheduled for December 12.
So far, Giuliani has only partially complied, surrendering a Mercedes, 18 watches, and one diamond ring. Other valuable items, including sports memorabilia and funds from a Citibank account, have not been handed over. The judge’s latest order reiterates that Giuliani must meet all deadlines or face further legal consequences.