Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been granted permission by a bankruptcy judge to appeal the $148 million defamation award against him in the case involving Georgia election workers.
The judge, Sean Lane, has set conditions for Giuliani’s appeal, specifying that he cannot use his personal funds for legal expenses.
This development comes after Giuliani’s earlier claim that he couldn’t immediately afford to pay the damages, leading to a request for a pause to file an appeal.
Legal Proceedings and Restrictions:
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane entered a court order on Tuesday, allowing Giuliani, aged 79, to challenge the damages awarded to Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss and Ruby Freeman, whom he falsely accused of fraud following Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss.
However, the judge imposed restrictions, barring Giuliani from using his personal funds for further litigation. Instead, Giuliani is required to cover his legal expenses using funds received by two legal defense funds.
Background of the Defamation Case:
In December, Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million in damages to Moss and Freeman by a Washington, D.C., jury, following false accusations of fraud.
Less than a week after the ruling, Giuliani, citing financial constraints, was spotted shopping for jewelry in Manhattan. His legal team asserted his inability to pay immediately and sought permission from the court to delay payment while pursuing an appeal.
Scope of Appeal and Future Proceedings:
Judge Lane’s order permits Giuliani to challenge the size of the damages awarded in the Georgia defamation case, but it does not grant him the ability to pursue a full appeal at this stage.
Should Giuliani decide to appeal the defamation ruling, he will need further approval from the bankruptcy court. Giuliani’s political adviser, Ted Goodman, expressed appreciation for the judge’s consideration and indicated readiness to proceed accordingly.
Bankruptcy Filing and Financial Woes:
Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in New York in December, revealing staggering debts totaling $153 million owed to various creditors, including the two Georgia election workers.
The filing disclosed Giuliani’s financial struggles, with liabilities ranging between $100 million and $500 million and assets valued at $1 million to $10 million. Notable creditors listed included the IRS, lawyers, Hunter Biden, and the two Georgia election workers.
Additional Legal Challenges:
Apart from the defamation case, Giuliani faces multiple legal challenges. A former aide, Noelle Dunphy, has sued him, alleging coercion into a sexual relationship and unpaid wages amounting to nearly $2 million.
Giuliani’s political adviser has defended him against Dunphy’s claims however.
Conclusion:
Rudy Giuliani’s legal battles continue to unfold amidst financial difficulties, with the recent court decision allowing him to appeal the defamation case in Georgia.
The conditions imposed by the judge underscore the complexity of Giuliani’s financial situation as he navigates through multiple legal challenges.