Rudy Giuliani has relinquished a collection of his opulent timepieces and a classic Mercedes-Benz in an attempt to satisfy the staggering $148 million defamation judgment linked to allegations involving two former Georgia election workers.
In a legal letter submitted by Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, it was disclosed that the luxury watches and a striking 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500—which was famously owned by the iconic actress Lauren Bacall—were sent via FedEx to a financial institution in Atlanta, Georgia.
Giuliani, who previously served as the mayor of New York City and was a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, faced a court order mandating the surrender of his apartment along with various possessions to compensate Rudy Freeman and Shaye Moss. The mother-daughter duo launched a defamation lawsuit against Giuliani after he propagated unfounded claims regarding voter fraud during the heated 2020 presidential campaign.
Cammarata contended in his letter that certain items belonging to Giuliani, including clothing, furniture, and essential household goods, should be considered exempt from the defamation judgment.
Additionally, the attorney deemed it “wholly improper” for the court to demand the turnover of Giuliani’s classic Mercedes, arguing that a professional appraisal was necessary to ascertain its actual value. Cammarata asserted that if the appraisal indicates the vehicle’s worth is below $5,500, it should be excluded from the judgment altogether. He emphasized that while the exact value remains uncertain, historical data from Classic.com shows that 1980-1989 models of the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 have sold anywhere from $9,500 to an impressive $201,000, with the average price around $29,000.
Cammarata has stated that if the appraised value exceeds $5,500, the vehicle should instead be auctioned to ensure proper financial recourse for the plaintiffs.
“This is how the proper enforcement of these assets should work,” Cammarata noted in his correspondence on Friday. “Just ordering the vehicle to be turned over to the Plaintiffs without any appraisal has taken away Defendant’s statutory and constitutional rights.”
The letter further asserts that additional possessions belonging to Giuliani should also be exempt under the legal frameworks of New York and Florida. This includes items such as a shirt autographed by New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio, alongside various household items like a refrigerator, television, computer, and other essential electronics and utensils.
Cammarata highlighted that there are statutory exemptions for jewelry valued under $1,325, indicating that the watches and rings Giuliani surrendered should likewise be subject to appraisal.
In a more generalized assertion, Cammarata confirmed the presence of exemptions for “tools of trade” which encompass professional instruments as well as furniture and library items, provided their value does not exceed $4,075.
On Thursday, spokespeople for Giuliani shared footage depicting the luxury watches and ring he offered to the courts, claiming the items were the result of “60 years of hard work.”
Giuliani maintains that he is the target of a “political vendetta” and remains optimistic that an appeal will allow him to reclaim his possessions.
How is Joseph Cammarata planning to protect Giuliani’s essential household items from the defamation judgment?
**Interview with Joseph Cammarata, Attorney for Rudy Giuliani**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Joseph. Rudy Giuliani’s decision to relinquish his luxury watches and classic Mercedes-Benz has garnered significant attention. Can you explain the reasoning behind this move?
**Cammarata:** Thank you for having me. Rudy’s decision stems from the need to comply with a court order regarding the substantial defamation judgment against him. These items were turned over to help satisfy the $148 million judgment while also attempting to protect other personal belongings that we believe should be exempt.
**Editor:** The collection of watches and the Mercedes-Benz belonged to Giuliani, a well-known figure. What are the specifics concerning the Mercedes-Benz, especially given its historical significance?
**Cammarata:** The 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is not just any vehicle; it was famously owned by the late actress Lauren Bacall. We’re contending that its value needs to be professionally appraised before being classified under this judgment. If it turns out that the appraisal shows a value below $5,500, we believe it should not be included at all.
**Editor:** Given the context, how do you see this situation affecting Giuliani’s finances moving forward?
**Cammarata:** This is undoubtedly a challenging time for him. The court’s ruling is significant, and while we’re working diligently to navigate through the complexities of the judgment, he still maintains the right to protect certain core personal possessions. Our hope is that, through this process, we can find some resolution that doesn’t diminish his ability to support himself.
**Editor:** You mentioned items like clothing and furniture that might be exempt from the judgment. How do you plan to argue for their exclusion?
**Cammarata:** Our position is that essential household goods should not be subjected to a defamation judgment. We are advocating for a clear distinction between luxury items and necessities that are vital for day-to-day living, which we believe the court will recognize as deserving of protection.
**Editor:** Lastly, what’s the next step for Giuliani in this ongoing legal battle?
**Cammarata:** The next step involves awaiting the court’s response to our arguments regarding the exemptions and the appeal for a proper appraisal. We’re committed to ensuring that Rudy is treated fairly throughout this process, and we will continue to contest any demands that we feel are unjust.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Joseph. This is certainly a complex situation, and we will be following along as it develops.
**Cammarata:** Thank you for having me.
