NEW YORK – Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani reached a settlement with two former Georgia election workers over ownership of his Florida condo and three World Series rings.
They had been sought as part of a $148 million judgment against Giuliani.
The deal means that a bench trial that had been set to go forward Thursday is no longer needed.
Giuliani, 80, was supposed to be the first witness called in a bench trial to determine whether he has to give up his Florida condominium and three World Series rings as part of the $148 million defamation judgment against him. They would go to the two former Georgia election workers he defamed.
Giuliani did not appear in court Thursday.
“I have reached a resolution”
Giuliani posted a message on social media.
“I have reached a resolution of the litigation with the plaintiffs that will result in a satisfaction of the plaintiffs’ judgment. This resolution does not involve an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the parties. I am satisfied with and have no grievances relating to the result we have reached. I have been able to retain my New York coop and Florida condominium and all of my personal belongings. No one deserves to be subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation. This litigation has taken its toll on all parties. This whole episode was unfortunate. I and the Plaintiffs have agreed not to ever talk about each other in any defamatory manner, and I urge others to do the same,” the message read.
“The past four years have been a living nightmare. We have fought to clear our names, restore our reputations, and prove that we did nothing wrong. Today is a major milestone in our journey. We have reached an agreement and we can now move forward with our lives. We have agreed to allow Mr. Giuliani to retain his property in exchange for compensation and his promise not to ever defame us,” plaintiffs Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss said in a statement.
Giuliani previously found in contempt
Just last week, the judge in the case found Giuliani in contempt for failing to turn over some information on some of his assets to the election workers’ attorneys. As a result, he was banned from introducing some evidence.
Giuliani was also found in contempt last week in Washington, D.C. The judge there found he continued to slander the election workers.
Thursday’s proceeding is about whether he can prove the Florida condo is his established residence.
Giuliani has already surrendered his New York apartment, a car, luxury watches and other assets.
