As legal pressures mount, Giuliani lashes out at judge

The former New York City mayor stated, "I don't have a car. I don't have a credit card."

As legal pressures mount, Giuliani lashes out at judge
NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani expressed his frustration in court on Tuesday regarding the federal judge's order to hand over his belongings to two Georgia women who secured a $148 million defamation verdict against him, asserting, “every implication you make is against me.”

During the hearing, Giuliani voiced his grievances to U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, stating, “I don’t have a car. I don’t have a credit card.” He mentioned that the women, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, have placed a stop order on his social security account.

As Giuliani's outburst escalated, Liman interrupted, warning him, “I permitted Mr. Giuliani to speak. Next time, I will not permit him to speak and the court will have to take action.” While receiving the judge's admonition, Giuliani lightly banged on the table with a pen, visibly shaking his head.

Previously, Liman had threatened to hold Giuliani in contempt for failing to meet a court deadline to transfer assets to Freeman and Moss.

Giuliani's outburst followed Liman’s inquiry as to why he had not yet surrendered the title to a vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible, which was part of his directive to transfer ownership to Freeman and Moss. Earlier this month, Giuliani had already given them the car, some watches, and a ring, and he is in the process of relinquishing his New York City apartment.

The defamation case arose after Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and Moss of election fraud during the 2020 election, leading to the significant verdict against him.

During the proceedings, Liman rejected Giuliani’s request to postpone a trial scheduled to begin on January 16, where the issue of whether Giuliani has attempted to shield his Palm Beach condo from creditors by falsely designating it as his “homestead” will be examined. Giuliani sought the delay to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, with his lawyer, Joseph Cammarata, arguing that Giuliani “regularly consults” with Trump and wishes to exercise his political right to be present.

In denying the delay, Liman emphasized that “defendant’s social calendar does not constitute good cause” for postponing the trial.

Giuliani's recent court confrontation arises as Freeman and Moss are also asking another federal judge to hold him in contempt for reiterating false claims similar to those that resulted in the defamation judgment against him. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell has scheduled a hearing for December 12 on this contempt motion.

Following the court session, Giuliani criticized Liman to reporters outside the courtroom, labeling him an “activist Democrat.” Liman was appointed by Trump.

“Have you figured out what side he’s on? Are you too dumb to see what side he’s on?” Giuliani questioned. “I’ve been a lawyer for 55 years. I can figure out what side he’s on.”

Continuing his tirade, he asserted, “He doesn’t give a damn about the truth. He just gives a damn about being popular.”

As he left for the elevator, Giuliani was heard exclaiming, “this is lawfare with capital letters.”

Ian Smith for TROIB News