NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani has reportedly removed valuable items from his New York City apartment just weeks ahead of a court-mandated deadline to turn over possessions related to a significant $148 million defamation ruling. This move was highlighted in a recent letter submitted to federal court on Monday.
The legal representatives of Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss—two former Georgia election officials who were awarded the hefty judgment—asserted in their court documents that Giuliani and his legal team have been uncooperative regarding basic inquiries about the whereabouts of numerous valuable items that should be included as part of the court order.
Attorney Aaron Nathan, representing the election workers, expressed outrage in his correspondence to U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman, pointing out that Giuliani appeared to have intentionally taken measures to remove items from his Manhattan apartment during the pendency of a legal restraining order while also a motion regarding the turnover of property was in process.
The correspondence comes on the heels of a missed deadline last week for the former mayor of New York City and legal advisor to Donald Trump to surrender his remaining belongings, a situation that remained unresolved with no transfer of assets.
Last Thursday, the legal teams for the two women were allowed access to Giuliani’s Upper East Side residence to determine how to manage the logistics of transportation and storage for the items required to be handed over.
Upon their arrival, Nathan noted that the apartment was already “substantially empty,” and they were informed that most belongings had been removed approximately four weeks earlier.
“Only a few rugs, a dining table, some random small furniture, and inexpensive wall art remained, along with a few minor items such as dishes and stereo equipment,” he reported.
Nathan emphasized that this exodus included the “vast majority” of valuables, such as artwork, collectibles, and high-end furniture known to have been kept in the apartment.
Giuliani’s attorneys have mentioned that some of these possessions may have been relocated to a storage facility in Ronkonkoma, situated about 50 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island.
However, Nathan conveyed his frustration over the lack of clarity regarding which specific items are stored there, given that Giuliani’s legal team has yet to provide a detailed inventory.
In a ruling last month, Judge Liman ordered Giuliani to relinquish various belongings, including his $5 million residence, a vintage 1980 Mercedes previously owned by actress Lauren Bacall, as well as diverse items ranging from his television to a signed shirt from New York Yankees icon Joe DiMaggio and 26 luxury timepieces.
As of now, Giuliani’s representatives have not responded promptly to requests for comment regarding the situation.
His legal team has contended—without success so far—that Freeman and Moss ought not be permitted to seize and sell his belongings while he has an appeal ongoing in a Washington federal court.
If Giuliani does not turn over his assets by November 7, both parties are scheduled to appear before Judge Liman to address the issue.
The $148 million defamation judgment arises from Giuliani’s actions in promoting former President Trump’s unfounded allegations that the 2020 presidential election results were fraudulent.
Giuliani, who was disbarred in both New York and Washington, has been accused of making false statements against Freeman and Moss, alleging involvement in ballot tampering and fraud, claims that ultimately led them to file a lawsuit for defamation following threats to their safety.