Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court on Monday for failing to properly respond to requests for information in a defamation case. The case involves a $148 million defamation judgment granted to two Georgia election workers.
Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled after Giuliani testified for a second day at a contempt hearing. Lawyers for the election workers claimed that Giuliani had not complied with requests for evidence over the past few months.
Giuliani was found to have violated a court order by missing a deadline to turn over evidence related to his residency in Palm Beach, Florida. The judge stated that Giuliani will face further consequences at an upcoming trial.
During the hearing, Giuliani testified both in person and remotely from his Florida condominium. He explained that he sometimes struggled to provide requested information due to the complexity of his legal obligations.
The election workers' lawyers accused Giuliani of a pattern of defiance in surrendering assets to satisfy the defamation judgment. While Giuliani has relinquished some assets, such as a Mercedes-Benz and his New York apartment, he has reportedly not provided all necessary documentation.
Giuliani's attorney argued against potential sanctions that could result in the loss of his Florida property before the trial begins. The judge is set to make a decision on the matter in the coming days.
Giuliani maintains that his Palm Beach residence should be protected from seizure and has expressed confidence in his chances on appeal.
