(NewsSpace.com) – Back in August, US District Judge Beryl A. Howell found former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani liable for defaming two Georgia election poll workers. This month, the case went to trial to determine the amount of damages. On Friday, December 15, Giuliani was ordered to pay the women $148 million, later reduced to just under $146 million. After the ruling, Giuliani spoke with reporters and stood by, repeating his original comments that the two engaged in fraud. The women sued again and asked a judge to order Giuliani to pay immediately. They got their wish.
On Wednesday, December 20, Judge Howell once again issued a ruling against the attorney, ordering him to pay the sum due to the victims, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, immediately. The two had filed on Monday, asking the judge to waive the 30-day waiting period as they were afraid he would try to “evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise.”
Judge Howell agreed with the motion and said the decision was based on Giuliani’s history of being an “uncooperative litigant.” It’s not clear what his net worth is because he has refused to turn over documents to that effect to the courts.
Giuliani still has the opportunity to appeal the case, specifically the damages the jury awarded, though he would face an uphill battle. He could also ask for a stay of immediate payment while the case is undergoing appeal, but the courts would require a surety bond to ensure he was good for some of the total owed if he lost.
On Thursday, December 21, Giuliani filed for bankruptcy. In the Chapter 11 paperwork, he noted that he has between $1 million and $10 million in assets and $500 million in debts. It should be noted that the sum he owes Freeman and Moss can’t be discharged through bankruptcy.
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