Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor once celebrated as “America’s Mayor,” has been found in civil contempt by a federal judge, marking another chapter in his steep decline from public hero to embattled defendant. The ruling comes as part of a defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss, who were falsely accused by Giuliani of aiding in an effort to “steal” the 2020 presidential election.
The judge, Lewis Liman, rebuked Giuliani for failing to provide critical information about his assets, which could be used to satisfy the staggering $148 million judgment against him. Liman dismissed Giuliani’s excuses, stating that being “a busy person” was no justification for noncompliance.
This legal clash originates from Giuliani’s baseless claims about Freeman and Moss, accusing them of ballot tampering during the 2020 election. These allegations, widely debunked, included assertions that the election workers manipulated votes captured on surveillance footage at an Atlanta vote-processing center. The claims irreparably damaged the workers’ reputations, leading to a high-profile lawsuit filed in 2021.
Consequences Mount for Giuliani
The contempt citation is just one of many legal troubles for Giuliani, who has already been disbarred and faces criminal charges related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. His refusal to comply with court orders has exacerbated his legal woes, with Judge Liman warning of further penalties.
The case also scrutinizes Giuliani’s property holdings, including a Palm Beach condominium that the plaintiffs argue is not his primary residence and could therefore be liquidated to help pay the judgment. Additional demands include his Manhattan apartment, vintage Mercedes, and sports memorabilia.
Despite the mounting challenges, Giuliani maintains he has not “willfully disobeyed” court orders, with his lawyer asserting there has been “substantial compliance.” However, Judge Liman signaled that Giuliani’s lack of cooperation could lead to adverse presumptions in upcoming proceedings.
As this high-stakes legal drama unfolds, Giuliani’s once-formidable legacy continues to unravel, leaving a stark contrast to the figure who stood at the nation’s helm during its darkest hours.
