In a stunning turn of events, a judge has ruled that the $148 million defamation verdict against Rudy Giuliani must be paid immediately by the former mayor of New York City. The ruling came less than a week after a jury awarded the damages to Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss, two Georgia election workers whose lives were ruined by Giuliani's false claims during the 2020 election.
Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before the collection of damages can begin, but this judge has expedited the process, allowing Freeman and Moss to go after Giuliani's assets immediately. The judge's decision was outlined in a comprehensive 13-page opinion, citing numerous reasons why the waiting period should be waived.
Throughout the case, Giuliani's financial situation has been a topic of discussion. He has claimed to be broke and even put his New York apartment up for sale. However, the judge cast doubt on his claims, pointing out that he still has a spokesperson and has shown a willingness to spend money despite his alleged financial difficulties.
The judge also noted that Giuliani has disregarded previous orders for payment and has not assured the court that he won't try to hide his assets. These factors led the judge to conclude that the women should be allowed to pursue the $148 million verdict without delay.
So, how will Freeman and Moss collect the money? First, their attorneys will need to identify Giuliani's assets, a process they have already begun. Once the assets are identified, they will be attached to ensure that Giuliani cannot dispose of them. For instance, if he tries to sell his New York apartment, any potential buyer will be made aware of the pending claims against the property.
Ultimately, Giuliani will owe a substantial amount of money to Freeman, Moss, his lawyers, and potentially other parties who have sued him, such as Dominion. In the end, the parties will need to come together to determine how the funds will be divided based on the amounts owed.
This ruling is highly unusual and demonstrates the judge's lack of trust in Giuliani's financial integrity. It is clear that she is not willing to give him any grace period and has taken a firm stance against him. The ruling sends a strong message that defamatory actions can have severe consequences, both financially and reputationally.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Giuliani's financial troubles and the impact they may have on his ability to pay the hefty verdict. Only time will reveal the true extent of the financial fallout for the former mayor.
