Federal Judge Throws Out Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case, Victory for Georgia Election Workers and Other Creditors

Federal Judge Throws Out Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case, Victory for Georgia Election Workers

A federal judge in New York has made a significant ruling in the ongoing legal battles involving Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and close adviser to ex-President Donald Trump. On Friday, the judge threw out Giuliani’s bankruptcy case, a move that is seen as a victory for two Georgia election workers who had won a defamation suit against him last year.

The two women, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, were awarded $148 million in damages in the defamation suit, but Giuliani’s decision to enter bankruptcy proceedings had prevented them from collecting. The judge’s decision now allows them and other creditors seeking reimbursement from Giuliani to pursue their claims.

Giuliani’s financial troubles stem from his repeated efforts to discredit the 2020 presidential election results, particularly in Georgia. He spread baseless conspiracy theories about Moss and Freeman, falsely accusing them of election fraud to benefit Joe Biden. This led to the defamation suit and subsequent financial woes for Giuliani.

In his ruling, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane criticized Giuliani for failing to fully disclose his assets and income streams, as well as for providing incomplete or inaccurate financial information. The judge barred Giuliani from filing for bankruptcy protections again for a year, citing his lack of cooperation and transparency in the process.

While some creditors wanted the bankruptcy case to continue, the judge sided with Moss and Freeman, expressing concerns that prolonging the proceedings would diminish the value of Giuliani’s estate. The decision also takes into account other legal challenges Giuliani is facing, including a sexual harassment suit filed by a former associate.

Giuliani has attempted to address his financial woes by putting his New York City apartment on the market, but has been reluctant to sell his Florida condo. The former mayor’s legal troubles continue to mount, with the judge’s ruling marking a significant setback in his efforts to resolve his debts and legal obligations.