Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has surrendered dozens of luxury watches and a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 as part of a $148 million defamation judgment awarded to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The case stems from Giuliani’s false claims that the women engaged in ballot fraud during the 2020 election.
Luxury Items and Sentimental Possessions Relinquished
According to a letter filed in Manhattan federal court, Giuliani delivered the watches and a ring via FedEx to an Atlanta bank and turned over the vintage Mercedes at an address in Hialeah, Florida. Additionally, funds from Giuliani’s Citibank accounts were handed over.
However, Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, contested the seizure of the Mercedes, arguing that the car should have been appraised first. If its value is less than $5,500, it could be exempt from the judgment under law. If it exceeds that amount, Cammarata argued, the vehicle should be auctioned with proceeds allocated to the plaintiffs.
Cammarata also argued that certain possessions, such as household items and apparel, including a shirt signed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, should be exempt under New York and Florida law. He requested that all items, including Giuliani’s jewelry, be appraised to determine their eligibility for exemption.
Giuliani Calls Judgment ‘Political Persecution’
Giuliani maintains that he is a victim of a political vendetta and has vowed to appeal the judgment. “This is a case of political persecution,” he said after a court appearance, asserting that the judgment is “ridiculous” and that he expects to recover his possessions.
His spokesperson, Ted Goodman, posted a video on social media showing 18 watches and a ring, emphasizing their sentimental value. “This is the accumulation of 60 years of hard work,” Goodman said. “What’s happening is wrong. It’s shameful.”
Defamation Case and Fallout
The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s claims that Freeman and Moss, two election workers in Georgia, tampered with ballots during the 2020 presidential election. He falsely accused them of smuggling ballots in suitcases, counting them multiple times, and manipulating voting machines.
The accusations led to death threats and harassment against the women. In a landmark ruling earlier this year, Giuliani was found liable for defamation and ordered to pay $148 million in damages.