Rudy Giuliani Faces Another Legal Hurdle As Judge Holds Him in Contempt

Rudy Giuliani faces contempt charges and potential sanctions in a defamation case involving two Georgia election workers.

At a Glance

Giuliani was found in contempt for not complying with asset information requests related to a $148 million defamation judgment.
The case involves false claims he was accused of making about Georgia election workers related to the 2020 election.
Giuliani reportedly failed to disclose assets including his New York penthouse and sports memorabilia.
Judge criticizes Giuliani’s “blithe disregard” for document requests and incomplete responses.
Penalties for contempt will be determined later, with potential additional charges for not turning over property.

Contempt Charges and Asset Disclosure Issues

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been found in contempt of court for failing to comply with asset information requests related to a $148 million defamation judgment. The case stems from false claims Giuliani made about two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, regarding the 2020 presidential election.

District Judge Lewis Liman criticized Giuliani for disregarding document requests and providing incomplete responses. The judge alleged that Giuliani showed a “blithe disregard” for requests for documents, including information about his doctors, financial firms, lawyers, phone numbers, email accounts, and messaging apps.

Judge finds Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to turn over his assets to the former Georgia election workers he defamed. https://t.co/EqLcysieLM

— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) January 6, 2025

Undisclosed Assets and Legal Complications

Despite orders from the court, Giuliani allegedly failed to disclose significant assets, including his New York penthouse and an array of sports memorabilia. While he has surrendered some property, including a Mercedes-Benz and his Manhattan apartment, he has not provided the necessary paperwork to monetize these assets.

“Not a single dollar” had been paid by Giuliani as of last month, according to lawyers for Freeman and Moss, who also cited a “consistent pattern of willful defiance” in their client’s attempts to collect on the judgment.

Giuliani’s attorney argues against the potential seizure of his Palm Beach condominium, claiming it is his primary residence and should be protected from the judgment. However, the judge ruled that Giuliani failed to provide sufficient evidence to support this claim, barring him from using emails or texts to prove his Florida residency.

In a recent hearing, Giuliani reportedly admitted that he did not always provide everything requested of him. Per AP, he considered some of it to be inappropriate, too broad, or a “trap.”

Legal Consequences and Future Proceedings

The penalties for Giuliani’s contempt will be determined at a later date, and he may face additional contempt charges for not turning over specific personal property, including a gold pocketwatch and a Joe DiMaggio jersey. A trial to decide the fate of Giuliani’s Florida condominium and World Series rings is scheduled for January 16.

Giuliani and his spokesperson have criticized the justice system, claiming it has become a “mockery.” His attorney, Joseph Cammarata, argued that the legal proceedings are politically motivated, stating, “This case is about lawfare and the weaponization of the legal system in New York City.”