A federal judge on Tuesday ordered Rudy Giuliani, former attorney for Donald Trump and ex-mayor of New York City, to hand over his valuable possessions and his Manhattan penthouse to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the Georgia election workers he defamed. Giuliani now owes them $150 million in damages.
Judge Lewis Liman, of the Manhattan federal court, ruled that Giuliani must transfer his interest in the penthouse to Freeman and Moss within seven days. The property will be placed under a receivership they control, allowing them to sell it, potentially for millions of dollars. In addition, the women will be entitled to roughly $2 million in legal fees that Giuliani has claimed the Trump campaign owes him.
The judge has yet to decide if Giuliani can retain ownership of his Palm Beach, Florida, condo or his four New York Yankees World Series rings, which Giuliani's son claims were given to him by his father.
Michael Gottlieb, attorney for Freeman and Moss, spoke to CNN’s Erin Burnett on "OutFront," calling the judge's decision a “necessary and key step” in helping his clients recover some of what they lost. He highlighted that the ruling shows the justice system can hold powerful people accountable for wrongdoing, even if it takes time and resolve.
Giuliani’s spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Judge Liman noted that he chose a receivership for the New York property due to its unique nature, explaining that it would work well with auction houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s to secure the maximum value from the sale.
Along with the Trump campaign legal fees and the penthouse, Giuliani is also required to hand over a collection of watches, including ones gifted by European presidents after the 9/11 attacks, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, other sports memorabilia, and a 1980 Mercedes previously owned by Hollywood star Lauren Bacall. The judge also ordered Giuliani to turn over his television, furniture, and various pieces of jewelry.
