Judge Dismisses Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case, Calls Him a “Recalcitrant Debtor”

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani faced a major setback on Friday as a judge threw out his bankruptcy case, calling him a “recalcitrant debtor” who had shown a lack of cooperation and transparency in the process. The decision comes as Giuliani sought to shield himself from a $148 million defamation judgment and other debts.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane criticized Giuliani for his repeated uncooperative conduct, self-dealing, and failure to disclose sources of income. The judge cited Giuliani’s failure to comply with court orders and his apparent unwillingness to hire an accountant to review his finances.

While the dismissal of the bankruptcy case ends Giuliani’s pursuit of bankruptcy protection, it does not absolve him of his debts. His creditors can now pursue other legal remedies to recoup the money they are owed, such as seizing his assets.

Giuliani is now free to appeal the defamation verdict that stemmed from his efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential election loss. Despite the dismissal of the bankruptcy case, Giuliani’s legal troubles continue to mount, with ongoing criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to his role in the election overturn efforts.

The 80-year-old Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks, is also facing disbarment in New York and Washington, D.C. Last week, he was disbarred in New York for making false statements about the 2020 election.

Giuliani’s financial filings in the bankruptcy case revealed nearly $153 million in debts, including tax liabilities and potential judgments in lawsuits against him. Despite listing assets worth $1 million to $10 million, Giuliani’s financial situation remains precarious.

The dismissal of Giuliani’s bankruptcy case marks a significant development in his legal battles, as creditors seek to recoup the debts owed to them. The former mayor’s future remains uncertain as he continues to grapple with mounting legal challenges and financial woes.