Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, accused of being a deadbeat ex-husband by his third wife, Judith, beat a contempt order and avoided jail Monday in an ongoing dispute over money he owes her as part of a divorce settlement reached three years ago.
At a brief court hearing, Giuliani said he’s making progress in paying the debt, though he and Judith remain far apart on how much he still owes for things like her country club memberships, condominium fees and health care.
Judge Michael Katz had given Giuliani a final warning at a hearing in September, telling him the sheriff was “on notice to come at a moment’s notice” to jail him if he didn’t pay up, yet despite this he now lifted that contempt order. At the time, Judith Giuliani said the ex-mayor owed her more than $260,000.
Giuliani, also known for his work as former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, has since provided copies of $150,000 worth of checks he’s written to Judith and said he paid another $45,000 on Sept. 9, Katz said.
“It seems to me that he’s shown proof of payment,” Katz said Monday. “I am going to direct that he makes those payments and to remain current with any other obligations under the stipulation.”
Katz, exasperated with both sides, added: “I am hoping this is the last time I have to sit through this kind of exercise.” Giuliani, who represented himself, praised Katz as “very fair” and quipped that the judge had finally “seen the reason why I’m not married to her.”
Outside the courthouse, Giuliani celebrated his freedom by quizzing reporters with “The Godfather” trivia, ranting about Hunter Biden’s laptop and plugging his radio show.
Judith Giuliani, in a telephone interview, said she found Katz’s decision “quite baffling” and that the matter is far from over.
