Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and lawyer, has handed over a collection of luxury watches and a classic Mercedes-Benz previously owned by Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall. This surrender is part of the ongoing legal repercussions from the $148 million defamation judgment against him, awarded to two former Georgia election workers.
According to a court filing by his lawyer, Joseph Cammarata, the items were relinquished to satisfy part of the substantial judgment. The delivered assets included a trove of watches and a ring, which were sent via FedEx to a bank in Atlanta, Georgia. The highlight for automotive enthusiasts, a 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500, was turned over at an address in Hialeah, Florida. Furthermore, an undisclosed sum of money from Giuliani’s Citibank accounts was also transferred to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, the plaintiffs in the defamation case.
While Giuliani complied with the asset surrender, his legal team is contesting the manner in which the Mercedes-Benz was handled. Cammarata argued in his letter that seizing the luxury vehicle without a prior appraisal was “wholly improper.” He contends that the car’s value should first be assessed, suggesting that if the Mercedes is valued at less than $5,500, it should be legally exempt from the judgment. Conversely, should the car’s worth exceed that threshold, Cammarata proposed it be auctioned, with a portion of the proceeds directed to Freeman and Moss. This legal maneuver highlights the complexities involved in asset forfeiture and the valuation of unique items like a classic Mercedes-Benz with celebrity provenance.
The dispute over the Mercedes-Benz valuation raises interesting questions, particularly for enthusiasts of classic cars and car detailing. The 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is a model renowned for its timeless design and robust engineering. Its value can vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and crucially, its history. The fact that this particular vehicle was once owned by Lauren Bacall, a screen legend, undoubtedly adds a layer of prestige and potential value. A professional car detailing expert could assess the vehicle’s condition, noting factors such as paintwork, interior condition, and mechanical soundness, all of which contribute to its overall market value. Furthermore, the provenance of celebrity ownership could be factored into an appraisal, making this Mercedes a unique and potentially highly sought-after asset.
Beyond the Mercedes-Benz, Giuliani’s lawyer is also arguing for exemptions on other surrendered items. Cammarata asserted that under New York and Florida law, certain possessions should be protected from seizure. These exemptions, he argued, should extend to apparel, including a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, household furniture, and essential appliances like refrigerators and televisions. He further cited legal protections for jewelry valued under $1,325 and “tools of trade” up to $4,075 in value, suggesting that Giuliani’s watches and professional items should also be appraised for potential exemption.
The full extent of Giuliani’s surrendered assets remains unclear. Aaron Nathan, the lawyer representing Freeman and Moss, has declined to comment on the specifics. Meanwhile, Giuliani’s new legal counsel, Cammarata, has characterized his client as “a victim of political persecution.” In an email, Cammarata criticized the legal proceedings against Giuliani, framing them as politically motivated. He stated that the recent election results indicated public weariness with such “witch-hunts,” and affirmed his team’s intention to vigorously defend Giuliani, suggesting they “will not relent.”
The assets targeted in the judgment included Giuliani’s Upper East Side apartment, the collection of 26 watches, the 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL 500, and the signed DiMaggio shirt. Prior to the asset surrender, Giuliani’s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, posted a video on social media platform X from a FedEx store in Florida. The video showcased at least 18 watches and a ring, which Goodman stated were being handed over to comply with the court order. Goodman lamented the situation, describing the asset seizure as “wrong” and “shameful,” and decrying what he termed the erosion of integrity within the U.S. justice system.
Giuliani himself has consistently maintained that he is a victim of “political vendetta” and anticipates winning on appeal, expecting to regain possession of his assets. He has publicly dismissed the judgment as “ridiculous.” However, representatives for Freeman and Moss previously reported finding Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment empty, indicating a preemptive clearing out of assets even before the formal deadline.
The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s false accusations against Freeman and Moss, alleging ballot fraud during the 2020 election. These baseless claims, amplified as part of Trump’s election fraud narrative, led to Freeman and Moss receiving death threats. The surrender of assets, including Lauren Bacall’s Mercedes-Benz, marks a tangible consequence of this defamation judgment against Rudy Giuliani, underscoring the significant financial and reputational repercussions of spreading false and damaging information.
