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Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and attorney to Donald Trump, filed for bankruptcy in New York federal court days after being ordered to pay $150 million for defaming two Georgia election workers. Giuliani's bankruptcy filing revealed debts ranging from $100 million to $500 million, with assets up to $10 million. Among his liabilities are nearly $1 million in unpaid taxes and substantial amounts owed to legal and accounting professionals.
This bankruptcy is a blow to Giuliani, once a prominent figure in Republican politics, stemming from his role as Trump's attorney after the 2020 presidential election. The filing includes pending defamation lawsuits related to his post-2020 election statements, potentially adding to his financial woes if damages are awarded.
Giuliani's political adviser, Ted Goodman, stated that the bankruptcy wasn't surprising and emphasized that Chapter 11 would provide Giuliani the chance to pursue an appeal while ensuring transparency in handling creditors' claims.
The move comes after a federal judge allowed the two plaintiffs, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, to start collecting from Giuliani immediately. The judge noted Giuliani's evasion in disclosing his financial status and his failure to comply with court orders to reimburse the women for legal fees. Giuliani's acknowledgment of defamation with malice during the trial makes it challenging for him to evade the debt to Freeman and Moss.
Giuliani might seek the bankruptcy court's intervention to excuse his debt to the plaintiffs, similar to Alex Jones' unsuccessful attempt in the Sandy Hook defamation case. However, the acknowledgment of defamation with malice complicates Giuliani's ability to escape financial obligations.
In response, Freeman and Moss's legal team plans to swiftly request liens on Giuliani's properties in New York and Florida. They are also investigating potential sources of income, such as entities supporting Giuliani, including Newsmax, where he hosts a show. The bankruptcy filing sets the stage for a complex legal battle over Giuliani's financial responsibilities amid mounting legal challenges.