Breaking: Giuliani Must Surrender Manhattan Penthouse and Luxury Items in $150M Defamation Case
In a dramatic turn of events, Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and attorney to Donald Trump, has been ordered to relinquish control of his prized Manhattan penthouse and valuable possessions to two Georgia election workers he wrongfully accused of election fraud.
Federal Judge Lewis Liman issued the order on Tuesday, requiring Giuliani to hand over his assets within seven days to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who won a $150 million defamation judgment against him last December.
The Price of False Claims
The ruling marks a stunning downfall for Giuliani, once celebrated as “America’s Mayor” following the September 11 attacks. Now he must surrender:
- He resides in a luxurious penthouse apartment on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
- The Trump campaign owes approximately $2 million in legal fees.
- Several presidential watches were gifted after 9/11.
- There is a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey and other sports memorabilia.
- Lauren Bacall once owned a vintage 1980 Mercedes.
- There are numerous pieces of furniture, jewelry, and electronics.
“Today’s ruling shows how the justice system can hold powerful people accountable,” said Michael Gottlieb, attorney for Freeman and Moss, speaking to CNN. “It may take time and courage, but justice prevails.”
What Sparked the Case?
The legal battle stems from Giuliani’s false claims about Freeman and Moss during the 2020 election aftermath. He accused the mother-daughter duo of ballot tampering while they worked as election workers in Georgia, claiming they were “passing around USB ports as if they’re vials of heroin or cocaine.” In reality, they were sharing ginger mints.
These accusations led to:
- Severe emotional distress for both women
- Threats to their safety
- Significant damage to their reputations
- Freeman was forced to relocate because of safety concerns.
A breakdown of damages
The December 2023 jury verdict ordered Giuliani to pay:
- $16.2 million to Freeman for defamation
- $17 million to Moss for defamation
- Each woman will receive $20 million for emotional distress.
- $75 million in punitive damages
What’s Still Undecided?
Some assets remain in limbo:
- Four Yankees World Series rings claimed by Giuliani’s son Andrew
- A Palm Beach, Florida condominium
- We will discuss additional assets at a hearing on October 28.
The judge established a receivership to manage the sale of Giuliani’s New York property, noting it would work with prestigious auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s to maximize the sale value.
This case represents more than just a financial judgment—it demonstrates the real-world consequences of spreading election misinformation. While Giuliani has yet to pay any portion of the judgment, which grows at 5% annual interest, this ruling ensures the Georgia election workers will finally begin to see justice served.
The story continues to develop as Giuliani faces multiple legal challenges, including criminal charges in Georgia related to election interference, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
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