In a recent courtroom hearing in New York, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani engaged in a heated exchange with U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. The confrontation arose as Giuliani sought to comply with a court order mandating the turnover of most of his assets to two election poll workers who had won a defamation case against him.
During the hearing, Judge Liman expressed skepticism over Giuliani's failure to provide the title to a car he had relinquished as part of the effort to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment. Giuliani, visibly frustrated, defended his actions, stating that he had applied for a duplicate title but had not yet received it.
Giuliani, known for his past role as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, vehemently denied any lack of diligence in complying with the court's orders. He emphasized that his assets were tied up, preventing him from accessing essentials such as a car, credit cards, or cash.
Amid the tense exchange, Judge Liman cautioned Giuliani against further interruptions in court proceedings, warning that he would not be allowed to speak unless sworn in as a witness. The judge also clarified that Giuliani must choose between representing himself or allowing his lawyers to do so, without a hybrid approach.
The hearing also addressed Giuliani's request to delay a trial concerning the disposition of his Florida residence and World Series rings, assets he is seeking to shield from confiscation. Despite Giuliani's involvement in inauguration planning for President-elect Donald Trump, the judge denied the request for a trial postponement, citing Giuliani's social calendar as insufficient grounds for delay.
Giuliani, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney, was found liable for defaming two Georgia poll workers by falsely accusing them of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. The women reported receiving death threats following Giuliani's baseless claims.
