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Rudy Giuliani’s attempt to avoid attending a defamation case hearing in person was denied by a judge on Thursday. Giuliani cited medical issues, including lung problems related to his presence at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The defamation lawsuit stems from Giuliani’s false statements about election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, leading to a court ruling of $150 million in damages against him. Following the dismissal of his bankruptcy case, the mother-daughter team is now working to seize Giuliani’s assets, which may include his luxury car, penthouse in Manhattan, and high-end watches.
Giuliani is set to appear at a contempt hearing on Friday. District Judge Lewis Liman will address allegations that Giuliani has failed to meet court orders and deadlines as claimed by the election workers.
On Thursday, Joseph Cammarata, Giuliani’s attorney, put forth a request for his client to attend the hearing remotely via Zoom. He cited ongoing “medical issues with his left knee and breathing problems” since being at the World Trade Center site during the 9/11 attacks.
Prior to becoming a prominent figure in Donald Trump’s legal battles, Giuliani was respected for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, including his presence at the site in the days immediately after.
However, Judge Liman denied the request for a virtual appearance. The judge pointed out that Giuliani has not provided any medical documentation supporting his claims and noted that he has successfully attended prior hearings in person.
According to Judge Liman’s order, Giuliani cannot simultaneously argue against contempt based on his out-of-court declarations while also preventing the plaintiffs from cross-examining him in person. The judge indicated that if Giuliani wishes to withdraw his earlier statements, he could attend the hearing virtually, but if he wants to maintain those statements, he needs to appear physically.
It remains uncertain how Giuliani will choose to appear at the hearing. The Independent has reached out for comments from his representatives.
Judge Liman mentioned in a December 27 filing that he would be ready to announce his decision regarding the contempt ruling at the upcoming hearing on Friday.
Source
www.yahoo.com