NEW YORK (AP) — Rudy Giuliani testified Friday at a contempt hearing to decide whether he has dodged and deceived lawyers trying to recover a $148 million judgment for two Georgia election workers, lamenting the speedy deadline imposed on him to turn over information about his assets.
The former New York City mayor testified in Manhattan federal court that the two-week time frame he was given to respond to the requests “was very short,” in comparison to how long he was given to provide information in 15 to 20 other court cases he’s involved in.
Judge Lewis J. Liman indicated he would not rule immediately on whether Giuliani will face civil sanctions for failing to turn over some assets.
Giuliani asked Thursday if he could appear remotely at the hearing, but he changed his mind after the judge said his options at the proceeding would be limited if he didn’t show up in person.
The lawyers claim Giuliani has displayed a “consistent pattern of willful defiance” of Liman’s October order to give up assets, after he was found liable in 2023 for defaming the poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election.
They said in court papers earlier this week that he has turned over a Mercedes-Benz and his New York apartment, but not the paperwork necessary to monetize the assets. And they said he has failed to surrender valuable watches and sports memorabilia, including a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, and not “a single dollar from his nonexempt cash accounts.”
Liman said in an order last week that Giuliani’s lawyer should be ready to explain why Giuliani should not be held in contempt with resulting sanctions that could make it less likely that he gets to keep his Florida residence. A trial over the disposition of the Palm Beach condominium and World Series rings is scheduled for mid-January.
Giuliani has maintained that the Palm Beach property is his personal residence now and should be shielded from the judgment.
Giuliani’s lawyers have predicted that Giuliani will eventually win custody of the items on appeal.
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Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister contributed to this report.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, once known as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after the September 11th attacks, found himself in a different kind of spotlight today as he testified at a contempt hearing. Giuliani, who served as former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, was called to testify in a case brought by lawyers representing election workers who are seeking a $148 million judgment against him.
The lawyers for the election workers allege that Giuliani spread false claims about widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, leading to threats and harassment against them. They argue that Giuliani’s actions were reckless and that he should be held accountable for the harm caused to their clients.
During the hearing, Giuliani maintained his innocence, claiming that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights to free speech. However, the judge overseeing the case was not convinced, citing evidence that Giuliani knowingly spread misinformation and incited violence.
As the hearing continues, the fate of Giuliani and the $148 million judgment hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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