Giuliani set to appear in New York City courtroom after missing deadline to turn over assets

Former Trump campaign attorney Rudy Giuliani is facing a major legal battle after being hit with $148 million in damages for defaming two election workers. Giuliani is scheduled to appear in a New York City courtroom to explain why he has not yet surrendered his belongings as part of the judgment.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued the order after plaintiffs Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, reported that Giuliani had cleared out his apartment when representatives of theirs visited the premises. The judge had set a deadline for Giuliani to surrender his possessions, which he failed to meet.

In a letter to the court, Freeman and Moss’ attorney detailed that Giuliani’s apartment had been emptied, with only a few items remaining. The plaintiffs also reported seeing Giuliani driving his Mercedes-Benz in Palm Beach, Florida, which was ordered to be turned over to them.

Giuliani’s spokesperson defended his actions, stating that he had made his property available as ordered and that some items were put into storage or removed due to his livestream programs. The spokesperson accused the opposing counsel of bullying and intimidation.

The defamation case stemmed from Giuliani falsely accusing Freeman and Moss, who were former Georgia election workers, of committing election fraud in the 2020 election. The former New York City mayor and personal lawyer to President Trump was on trial in Washington, D.C., where a default judgment was awarded to the plaintiffs.

Giuliani’s possessions, including his $5 million Upper East Side apartment, his Mercedes, television, and luxury watches, are among the items that he has been ordered to surrender. The ongoing legal battle highlights the consequences of defamation and the importance of upholding the justice system.

As Giuliani prepares to face the consequences of his actions in court, the case serves as a reminder of the impact of false accusations and the need for accountability in the legal system. The Associated Press contributed to this report, shedding light on the complexities of the case and the challenges that Giuliani now faces.