Giuliani Claims Prized DiMaggio Jersey Locked Away as $148M Legal Battle Continues

Rudy Giuliani claims a prized Joe DiMaggio Yankees jersey is locked away in a storage facility as his $148 million legal battle continues, raising questions about asset surrender and potential contempt charges.

At a Glance

Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million in defamation case to Georgia election workers
Valuable assets, including DiMaggio jersey, reportedly locked in “The America First Warehouse”
Judge warns of potential contempt charges if Giuliani fails to comply with asset surrender
Giuliani maintains innocence, plans to appeal, and claims political persecution
Assets to be surrendered include $5 million apartment, luxury items, and family heirlooms

Giuliani’s Asset Surrender Hits Roadblock

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani faces mounting pressure to surrender valuable assets in response to a $148 million defamation verdict awarded to Georgia election workers. The court-ordered asset surrender has encountered a significant obstacle, with Giuliani claiming that prized memorabilia, including a historic Joe DiMaggio Yankees jersey, is inaccessible in a Ronkonkoma, NY storage facility.

The storage facility, identified as “The America First Warehouse,” is described as a “patriotic venue” rather than a typical storage unit. Giuliani’s legal team asserts that the items are no longer in his possession, creating a complex situation for the court and the plaintiffs seeking to collect on the judgment.

Federal judge chastises Rudy Giuliani for offering a “farcical” explanation of why he hasn’t complied with a court order to turn over valuables to former Georgia election workers he defamed after the 2020 presidential campaign. https://t.co/JlIkGxHJ8S

— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) November 8, 2024

Legal Battle and Asset Inventory

The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s false claims about Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss during the 2020 election. A federal jury awarded the plaintiffs $148 million after determining that Giuliani had defamed them. The Georgia state election board has since cleared Freeman and Moss of any wrongdoing.

“This is a case of political persecution,” Giuliani stated, maintaining his innocence. “There isn’t a person (who) doesn’t know the judgment is ridiculous.”

The court has ordered Giuliani to surrender various assets, including the DiMaggio jersey, a Mercedes once owned by Lauren Bacall, luxury watches, and a $5 million apartment. However, Giuliani’s compliance with these orders has been questionable, leading to accusations of evasiveness and potential asset concealment.

🚨Rudy Giuliani has been court-ordered to surrender his Manhattan penthouse, luxury watches, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, a 1980 Mercedes, and other valuable items to election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss after a court found he had defamed them. pic.twitter.com/wn91XK1FCb

— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) October 22, 2024

Legal Implications and Next Steps

US District Judge Lewis Liman has warned of potential contempt charges if Giuliani fails to comply with the asset surrender. However, the judge also noted, “He’s not going to be in contempt if he’s made attempts and it’s impossible to comply with the order.” This statement suggests a nuanced approach to the ongoing legal battle.

“Every bit of property that they want is available if they are entitled to it,” Giuliani asserted, pushing back against accusations of non-compliance.

The court has ordered Giuliani to provide keys and title to the Mercedes and to continue working with the plaintiffs to access the storage facility. As the legal process unfolds, the fate of the DiMaggio jersey and other valuable assets remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to this high-profile case.