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Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court Monday for failing to comply with orders to disclose details about his assets in a $146 million defamation case filed by two former Georgia election workers.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued the ruling after Giuliani’s testimony in which he attempted to explain his noncompliance with court-ordered discovery obligations. The judge said Giuliani “willfully violated an unambiguous order of the court” and accused him of stalling tactics, adding that “discovery is not supposed to be a shell game where the hidden ball is moved around and around.” The court will determine “appropriate sanctions” for Giuliani at a later date.
The defamation lawsuit was brought by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who alleged that Giuliani spread baseless claims linking them to election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Their accusations led to a deluge of threats and harassment. The court awarded Freeman and Moss $146 million in damages earlier this year. Giuliani has repeatedly failed to meet deadlines to provide financial documentation to the plaintiffs’ attorneys, prompting the contempt ruling.
Giuliani testified remotely from Florida, blaming his noncompliance on logistical difficulties and a change in legal counsel. He cited conflicting demands from his numerous ongoing legal battles, including two criminal cases and other defamation suits. During his testimony, Giuliani acknowledged finding documents critical to the case, such as the lease for his Manhattan apartment and the title for his Mercedes-Benz convertible. However, both assets are co-owned with his ex-wife, complicating their use in satisfying the judgment. Additionally, Giuliani claimed a valuable autographed Joe DiMaggio Yankees jersey is “missing,” despite conflicting testimony suggesting it was seen in his possession recently. He denied hiding other memorabilia, including a signed image of Yankees legend Reggie Jackson.
Freeman and Moss’ attorneys have accused Giuliani of a “consistent pattern of willful defiance” and requested the court impose sanctions to compel compliance. Among the assets targeted are a proprietary lease and co-op shares for a $6 million Manhattan apartment, the title to his Mercedes-Benz convertible, and Yankees memorabilia, including championship rings allegedly gifted to his son.
Giuliani faces additional legal challenges this week, including a second contempt proceeding in Washington, D.C., for allegedly continuing to defame Freeman and Moss on his “America’s Mayor Live” show, in violation of a prior court agreement. A trial to determine the status of his Florida condominium and other assets is scheduled for January 16.
