Rudy Giuliani’s former attorneys have revealed they quit representing him because he refused to turn over records and provide access to his cell phone in a defamation lawsuit, according to court filings.
Lawyers Kenneth Caruso and David Labkowski sought to withdraw from representing Giuliani, 80, in a case brought by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The case ended with Giuliani being ordered to pay $148 million in damages to the pair, who accused him of defaming them with false claims about their role in the 2020 election.
Freeman and Moss are now working to collect on the judgment, seeking assets that include Giuliani’s World Series rings. The former New York City mayor and Trump attorney, however, “would not participate” in the case’s discovery process, according to his former lawyers.
Lawyers’ Letter Reveals Dispute
In a heavily redacted letter to the court, Caruso and Labkowski explained their disagreement with Giuliani. Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Liman ruled Monday that parts of the letter should be unsealed, revealing Giuliani told his attorneys “he would not participate in discovery … and that he would not identify or provide access to his electronic devices for purposes of discovery.”
Giuliani had claimed his attorneys were at fault for missing court deadlines to turn over records, but the attorneys’ statements contradict his claims, according to Liman.
Contempt Hearing Set
Freeman and Moss have requested Judge Liman hold Giuliani in contempt for failing to comply with court orders and deadlines. Giuliani is scheduled to appear in court on January 3 to explain why he should not face contempt charges.
Trial on Asset Seizure
A separate trial is set for January 16 to determine whether Giuliani’s World Series rings and his Florida home can be seized to help satisfy the $148 million judgment. Giuliani and his son Andrew are expected to testify at the trial.
Andrew Giuliani has argued that the rings should not be included in the judgment, claiming his father gifted them to him in 2018.
The court has already ordered Giuliani to hand over his Mercedes and Manhattan apartment to Freeman and Moss as part of the judgment.
Previous Outbursts and Defamation Verdict
At a November hearing, Giuliani lashed out at Judge Liman, accusing him of unfair treatment. The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s baseless accusations that Freeman and Moss were involved in election fraud to benefit Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race. A jury found his claims defamatory and awarded the massive judgment to the two women.
A spokesperson for Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
