Rudy Giuliani, once known as “America’s Mayor,” faced accusations of missing possessions, including a $10,000 jersey signed by Joe DiMaggio and a 120-year-old gold pocket watch that belonged to his grandfather. These items are part of a $148 million defamation verdict that he owes to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, for falsely claiming they tried to steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump. Giuliani was grilled in Manhattan federal court for failing to turn over these assets, with opposing lawyers accusing him of avoiding questions and being uncooperative.
The legal saga surrounding Giuliani’s defamation case has led to the pursuit of his personal possessions to fulfill the judgment. Items such as 26 watches, sports memorabilia, a Mercedes owned by Lauren Bacall, and his New York City apartment lease are under scrutiny. Giuliani admitted to not being able to locate certain items, mentioning that his ex-wife may have some of them. He also expressed confusion over his memorabilia collection, highlighting that he may have mistaken one item for another.
During the court hearing, photos were shown to prove that the missing DiMaggio jersey and other items were once in Giuliani’s possession. His former lawyer suggested that these items were stored in a locked facility in Long Island. The judge questioned Giuliani about his knowledge of his grandfather’s watch, to which he explained that he had placed it in a safe box to prevent it from getting lost. Giuliani also engaged with the courtroom sketch artist, expressing his displeasure with previous drawings that he felt did not accurately represent him.
Giuliani’s legal troubles extend beyond the defamation case, as he has been disbarred for spreading false claims about the 2020 election and is facing criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona for allegedly assisting Trump in overturning his loss. Despite these challenges, Giuliani continues to plea not guilty and defend his actions. The ongoing battle over his missing possessions adds to the complexity of his legal situation, with the possibility of having to surrender valuable items to satisfy the defamation judgment. Giuliani’s fall from grace as a respected political figure to a defendant facing multiple legal issues reflects the turbulent nature of his post-political career.
As Giuliani navigates the contempt proceedings and attempts to fulfill the judgment against him, the spotlight remains on his actions surrounding the 2020 election and his association with Trump. The courtroom drama surrounding the missing possessions and his defiance towards the legal process underscore the challenges he faces in restoring his reputation and credibility. The outcome of the defamation case and the potential consequences for Giuliani’s personal and professional life remain uncertain as the legal battles continue to unfold. In the midst of these challenges, Giuliani’s legacy as a prominent political figure appears to be overshadowed by his legal troubles and contentious legal battles.
