Staff Reports
In Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case, the judge has voiced apprehension over the lack of progress in managing his finances. Refusing to lift a legal barrier preventing the former New York City mayor from appealing a $148 million defamation judgment, the judge expressed concern about the limited headway made thus far. Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in December following a court order to pay the substantial sum to two former election workers for disseminating a false conspiracy theory regarding their involvement in the 2020 election.
Since initiating bankruptcy proceedings, Giuliani has missed deadlines for submitting financial disclosure reports and has encountered difficulties in selling his properties in New York and Florida. Furthermore, his suspension from his daily show on WABC Radio, attributed to his repeated discussions of discredited 2020 election claims despite a ban on doing so, has compounded his challenges.
Giuliani bankruptcy judge frustrated with case, rebuffs attempt to challenge $148 million judgment https://t.co/sxwPn6xm49
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 15, 2024
Attorneys representing the election workers have accused Giuliani of deliberately engineering his dismissal from the radio show and failing to make progress in resolving his financial obligations. Echoing their concerns, the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge expressed dismay over the status of the case.
Giuliani's legal team has asserted that he has secured future work opportunities to generate income and that the sale of his Manhattan apartment could alleviate his financial predicament. They have assured the completion of requisite financial filings and resolution of outstanding issues. Nonetheless, multiple individuals have come forward alleging that Giuliani owes them money.
Despite Giuliani's attorney indicating that matters are being resolved, the judge declined his request to lift an automatic stay for post-judgment litigation in the defamation case. Creditors' attorneys argued that this action would impede the bankruptcy proceedings.
Additionally, the judge deliberated on a request from the election workers' legal representatives to prohibit Giuliani from making further defamatory statements against them. While postponing a decision on this matter, the judge underscored the existence of a court ruling on the issue and emphasized the court's intolerance for parties flouting the law.
Attorneys involved in the case are slated to reconvene with the judge to further address these concerns.
