Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former lawyer, declares bankruptcy after facing $148 million in defamation damages

Rudy Giuliani, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has filed for bankruptcy just days after a federal jury ordered him to pay $148 million in damages for defaming two Georgia poll workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.

Giuliani’s bankruptcy petition reveals assets between $1 million and $10 million, with liabilities ranging from $100 million to $500 million.

The bankruptcy, filed under Chapter 11 in a New York court, includes debts owed to federal and state authorities for unpaid income taxes, as well as debts to his former lawyers and accountants, totaling from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Notably, unspecified amounts are listed as owed to Hunter Biden, Dominion, and Smartmatic, all of whom have ongoing lawsuits against Giuliani.

The 79-year-old Giuliani, found liable for defamation in August, was ordered to pay $148 million to Freeman and Moss for spreading false claims of election fraud during the 2020 elections.

The jury awarded each more than $16 million for defamation, $20 million for emotional distress, and $75 million in punitive damages.

Giuliani’s political advisor, Ted Goodman, stated that Chapter 11 will provide Giuliani the opportunity to pursue an appeal while ensuring transparency in his finances under bankruptcy court supervision.

Giuliani, who led Trump’s legal efforts to overturn the election, has faced a series of legal challenges, including racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results.

His license to practice law has been suspended in New York and Washington due to “false and misleading statements” made in attempts to overturn the election results.

This bankruptcy filing adds another chapter to Giuliani’s legal woes, highlighting the financial fallout from his role in promoting baseless claims of election fraud, which had severe consequences for Freeman and Moss, who testified that Giuliani’s lies upended their lives and subjected them to racist threats.

Giuliani’s once-illustrious career, marked by his leadership during the 9/11 attacks and the title “America’s Mayor,” has taken a dramatic turn as he navigates a complex web of legal challenges and financial difficulties.