Judge Blocks Giuliani’s Last-Minute Witnesses in Trial Over Florida Condo and Yankees Rings

Rudy Giuliani suffered another legal setback on Tuesday as a federal judge rejected his bid to add two last-minute witnesses ahead of a trial to determine whether his Florida condo and Yankees World Series rings can be seized to satisfy a defamation judgment awarded to two Georgia election workers.

Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the attempt to include Msgr. Alan Placa and Giuliani spokesman Thomas Goodman, calling it a “thinly veiled attempt to re-litigate my decision not to adjourn this trial.”

The bench trial, scheduled for Thursday, will address whether Giuliani’s Florida condo qualifies as his legal “homestead,” potentially exempting it from seizure, and the ownership of three Yankees World Series rings. Giuliani claims to have gifted the rings to his son, Andrew Giuliani, who reportedly keeps them in his bedroom closet.

Giuliani, who did not attend Tuesday’s hearing, added Placa and Goodman to his witness list just days before Christmas. However, Judge Liman ruled that neither provided discovery documents to the plaintiffs, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom Giuliani was found liable for defaming in December 2023.

The judge allowed one additional witness, Maria Ryan, to testify after she produced a document and explained during a deposition that she routinely deletes records. Giuliani was held in civil contempt last week and ordered to pay Freeman and Moss approximately $148 million in damages.

The two women, who were falsely accused by Giuliani of manipulating ballots in the 2020 election, continue to pursue collection efforts. During the hearing, Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, argued for the inclusion of Placa, describing him as “critical” to the defense.

“He answers to a higher power than this court … He answers to God, Your Honor,” Cammarata said, prompting a sharp rebuke from Judge Liman. “Every witness in this court is treated equally, regardless of faith, political affiliation, or gender,” Liman responded. “That’s fundamental to our system of justice.”

Cammarata also suggested the plaintiffs’ attorneys could have sought a continuance, questioning why the trial couldn’t extend beyond January 20, the date of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Sir, don’t argue with me about the American people,” Liman retorted, emphasizing that the trial would proceed in accordance with the law.

Giuliani’s financial troubles have mounted after filing for bankruptcy in December, a move dismissed when he failed to disclose his assets. Alongside this case, he faces criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.