Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, has requested permission to attend a contempt hearing remotely, citing health issues and potential security threats. He filed the request with U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, explaining that due to his medical conditions and concerns over safety, it would be difficult for him to attend the hearing in person.
Giuliani, who lives in Florida, is 80 years old and suffers from a range of health problems, including severe knee issues, a lung condition that requires the use of an inhaler, and heart problems that necessitate the use of medication and nitroglycerin. He has undergone surgery for coronary artery blockages and carries medication with him at all times. These medical conditions, along with other factors, make travel particularly challenging for him.
In addition to his health concerns, Giuliani’s lawyers pointed out that he has been the target of death threats, including credible threats from various sources, such as the Iranian regime. They argue that these threats, combined with the heightened risk of terrorism due to ongoing conflicts, make it unsafe for him to travel, particularly for a court hearing. Giuliani’s defense team also mentioned the logistical complications of entering and exiting the courthouse, which they argue would be further complicated by security concerns.
Judge Howell responded to the request with a condition: Giuliani would be allowed to appear remotely only if he submits a sworn declaration confirming that he has not traveled from Florida for the past 30 days and will not travel for the next 30 days due to his medical and security concerns. This condition essentially means that Giuliani would need to confirm that he will miss any travel opportunities, including attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The case at hand involves allegations of defamation by Giuliani. Freeman and Moss, the plaintiffs, had previously won a defamation lawsuit against him for spreading false claims about their involvement in election fraud after the 2020 election. Giuliani was found liable for these claims and agreed to abide by an injunction barring him from making further defamatory statements. However, Freeman and Moss allege that Giuliani continued to make such statements, leading them to file a motion asking the court to hold him in contempt. They argue that Giuliani’s recent broadcasts continued to repeat the same false claims that he had been found liable for, violating the terms of the injunction.
Freeman and Moss are seeking sanctions against Giuliani, including fines, in order to compel him to comply with the court’s order. The legal proceedings have been ongoing, and the contempt hearing is a crucial moment in the case. Giuliani’s request to attend remotely is seen as an attempt to avoid the hearing in person, citing his health and security concerns as justifications.
If granted, the remote appearance would allow Giuliani to avoid travel while still participating in the legal process. However, the court’s approval hinges on his ability to demonstrate that he has been unable to travel for a significant period and will continue to be unable to do so. This request could have broader implications for the case, as it could delay or complicate the resolution of the contempt allegations against him.
