Two lawyers have requested to withdraw from representing Rudy Giuliani in a legal dispute regarding property he has been ordered to surrender to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The attorneys cited disagreements with the former New York City mayor as the reason for their decision.
Last week, a judge instructed Giuliani to relinquish a Mercedes previously owned by actress Lauren Bacall, an heirloom watch, and other valuable assets to two former Georgia election workers who sued him over his statements while attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The judgment was awarded to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, after Giuliani filed for bankruptcy, which was later terminated due to non-compliance with the legal process.
In a recent court filing, Giuliani's legal representatives sought permission to cease their representation, citing fundamental disagreements with the client and potential issues with presenting unwarranted claims unsupported by law or good-faith arguments. Details of the disagreements were redacted from the public filing.
Giuliani has until Monday to contest the lawyers' motion. The defamation judgment against him is a result of his involvement in promoting baseless claims of election fraud on behalf of former President Donald Trump, leading to pending criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona.
Despite ongoing efforts to collect the judgment, Giuliani has been resistant, labeling the situation as a 'political vendetta.' Observers noted his defiance as he was seen driving a Mercedes near a polling place in Palm Beach, Florida, on Election Day, the same vehicle he was required to surrender.
Giuliani, who has been disbarred in New York and Washington, falsely accused Freeman and Moss of ballot fraud, alleging they engaged in illicit activities during the election process.
