Rudy Giuliani Files for Bankruptcy After Defamation Lawsuit
Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and personal attorney to Donald Trump, has filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay $148 million in a defamation lawsuit brought by two former Election workers in Georgia. The workers claimed that Giuliani’s targeting of them led to death threats and made them fear for their lives.
In his bankruptcy filing on Thursday, Giuliani listed nearly $153 million in existing or potential debts, including close to a million dollars in tax liabilities and money owed to his lawyers. He estimated his assets to be between $1 million and $10 million.
The largest debt listed in his filing is the $148 million he was ordered to pay as a result of making false statements about the Election workers in Georgia. Giuliani’s political advisor and spokesperson, Ted Goodman, stated that the bankruptcy filing was not a surprise and that it would give Giuliani the opportunity to pursue an appeal while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court.
However, declaring bankruptcy likely will not erase the $148 million in damages awarded to the former Georgia Election workers, as bankruptcy law does not allow for the dissolution of debts that come from a “willful and malicious injury” inflicted on someone else.
The bankruptcy filing comes amid Giuliani’s mounting financial strain, exacerbated by investigations, lawsuits, fines, sanctions, and damages related to his work helping Trump try to overturn the 2020 Election.
Historic Background:
Rudy Giuliani, once known as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has been facing legal and financial challenges in recent years. His reputation has been tarnished by his close association with Donald Trump and his efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential Election. Additionally, Giuliani’s role in promoting unfounded claims of Election fraud has led to several defamation lawsuits against him.
In September, Giuliani’s former lawyer sued him for unpaid legal bills, and the IRS filed a tax lien against him. The bankruptcy filing marks a significant downturn for a man who was once one of the most prominent figures in American Politics.
Despite his financial troubles, Giuliani continues to host a daily radio show in New York and a nightly streaming show on social media. However, the bankruptcy filing signals a dramatic fall from grace for the former mayor.
Overall, this bankruptcy filing reflects Giuliani’s increasingly dire financial situation and the legal challenges he faces as a result of his involvement in attempts to overturn the 2020 Election. Despite his past successes, Giuliani’s reputation and finances have suffered significantly in recent years, and the bankruptcy filing is a striking symbol of his downfall.
