Giuliani calls $148M defamation judgment a ‘political vendetta’

Outside a Manhattan federal courtroom Thursday, Nov. 7, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said he is the victim of political persecution. “But the reality is that this case is obviously a political vendetta,” Giuliani said. “Just the mere fact that it’s a $145 million judgment, I’m very, very disappointed that this judge doesn’t take seriously how ridiculous the judgment is.”

Last month, a federal judge ruled that Giuliani must turn over his Manhattan apartment and other personal possessions, including luxury watches, jewelry and a Mercedes, to two Georgia election workers who won a defamation judgment against him.

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The judge gave Giuliani seven days to comply with the ruling.

On Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Palm Beach, Florida, Giuliani was spotted in the passenger seat of a car matching the description of the Mercedes listed in the judgment, The New York Times reported.

So far, Giuliani has not complied with the judge’s order, arguing that the court has been “less than clear” and insisting that he did not commit a crime.

“So I am pretty sure – you’re never absolutely sure – this case can get reversed,” Giuliani said. “This judge could wait until this case was affirmed by the D.C. Circuit. Most judges would rather just take all of a man’s property away.”

The judge has threatened to charge Giuliani with contempt of court — a charge that carries the possibility of jail time — if he does not surrender the items by the end of next week.

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Last December, election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss were awarded $150 million after Giuliani was found liable for defamation over false claims that they tampered with ballots in the 2020 election. The women said his lies endangered their lives.

Giuliani’s lawyers said they are appealing the judgment to the District of Columbia Circuit and are confident the verdict will be overturned.