Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is embroiled in a contentious legal battle involving Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who were awarded a defamation judgment of $148 million against him.

Giuliani's refusal to participate in the discovery process has led to significant legal repercussions, including the resignation of his attorneys and potential contempt charges.

In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Freeman and Moss accused Giuliani of defaming them by falsely alleging they attempted to manipulate the election results in Georgia. A jury sided with the election workers, resulting in a hefty $148 million judgment in their favor.

Lawyers Resign Over Discovery Process

Giuliani faced a new hurdle when his former attorneys, Kenneth Caruso and David Labkowski, withdrew from representing him. They cited his refusal to participate in the discovery process as the reason for their resignation. According to the lawyers, Giuliani declined to provide records, including access to his electronic devices, which are crucial for the case.

Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Liman recently ruled that a letter detailing Giuliani's non-cooperation be partially unsealed. This document contradicts Giuliani's claim that his attorneys were responsible for missed deadlines related to submitting necessary records to the court.

Judge Considers Contempt Charges

Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss have escalated their efforts by requesting Judge Liman to hold Giuliani in contempt of court. They argue that Giuliani has repeatedly ignored court orders and deadlines, necessitating further legal action.

The legal proceedings require Giuliani to appear in court on January 3. During this appearance, Giuliani must explain why he should not face contempt charges. This development introduces further complexity into an already intricate legal process.

Potential Asset Seizure Includes Valuables

Looking ahead, a trial is scheduled for January 16 to determine whether some of Giuliani's assets, including his Yankees World Series rings and a property in Florida, should be handed over to Freeman and Moss. These assets have been targeted as part of the effort to satisfy the financial judgment against Giuliani.

The rings are particularly contentious because Giuliani's son, Andrew, asserts that they were given to him by his father in 2018. This issue further complicates the upcoming trial, adding personal elements to the legal proceedings.

Previous Asset Seizures Have Occurred

Prior to the upcoming trial, Giuliani has already faced asset dispossession. He was ordered to relinquish his Mercedes and Manhattan apartment to satisfy part of the judgment awarded to Freeman and Moss. These actions underscore the serious financial implications of the defamation judgment against him.

Amidst these challenges, Giuliani accused Judge Liman, during a November hearing, of harboring unfair biases against him. This accusation highlights the strained relations between Giuliani and the judicial system as the case progresses.

Defamation Claims Stem From 2020 Election

The defamation lawsuit traces back to Giuliani’s claims regarding the 2020 election, where he falsely accused Freeman and Moss of attempting to steal the election from Donald Trump. These allegations were part of a broader campaign to challenge the election results in several states, including Georgia.

Despite numerous legal setbacks, Giuliani has remained steadfast in his public positions, although a spokesperson did not respond for comments concerning the most recent developments as of Tuesday.

Court Dates and Witness List Confirmed

The upcoming court appearances will feature key testimonies, with both Giuliani and his son Andrew expected to serve as principal witnesses. Their testimonies will be crucial in determining the outcome regarding the contested assets.

As the legal saga continues, the case remains a significant chapter in Giuliani's ongoing legal troubles since the 2020 election. The outcome of these proceedings will likely have lasting implications for all parties involved and the broader discussions surrounding election integrity and accountability.