In a dramatic turn of events, federal bankruptcy judge Sean Lane announced on Wednesday that a decision regarding Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case will be made by the end of the week. This decision could potentially lead to the former New York mayor losing his multimillion-dollar properties in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida.
At a hearing in White Plains, New York, Giuliani faced accusations from creditors that he had not been forthcoming about his finances, prompting concerns from Judge Lane about transparency in the proceedings. Two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, are Giuliani’s primary creditors and are seeking to seize his assets.
“It’s time for Mr. Giuliani to go back to the real world where he can’t use Chapter 11 as a sword and a shield,” said Rachel Strickland, the attorney for Freeman and Moss.
Giuliani’s attorneys indicated that if he were to leave bankruptcy protection, he may continue to litigate over control of his homes and appeal a jury verdict of $148 million awarded to Freeman and Moss for defamation.
The tension in the courtroom was palpable as Giuliani clashed with creditors and the judge, with outbursts and interruptions throughout the proceedings. Despite Giuliani’s claims that he plans to appeal the jury verdict, legal experts suggest that his last-minute attempt to leave bankruptcy protection is a strategic move.
As the case unfolds, Giuliani’s close friend, Bernie Kerik, expressed that Giuliani remains in good spirits but is frustrated by the legal system and ongoing court battles. Giuliani’s attorney acknowledged that settlement negotiations had been considered but ultimately fell through.
The fate of Giuliani’s financial future hangs in the balance as Judge Lane is set to make a pivotal decision on Friday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
