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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani raised eyebrows on Thursday after posting a video of his dog, Vinny, at Mar-a-Lago while he was two hours late for a trial in Manhattan.
The trial was a civil proceeding to determine whether Giuliani could retain ownership of his Florida condominium and personalized World Series rings. This comes in the wake of Giuliani being found in contempt for defaming two former election workers, a case that resulted in a $148 million damages award against him.
“Judge Lewis J. Liman of U.S. District Court in Manhattan is expected to rule on whether Mr. Giuliani must surrender his Palm Beach, Fla., condo, which he claims is his primary and only remaining residence, to pay down a multimillion-dollar judgment. The apartment was valued at $3.5 million,” The New York Times reported.
Instead of appearing in court as scheduled, Giuliani took to social media platform X to share a lighthearted moment with his dog. “Vinny loves hanging out at Mar-a-Lago, but he’s ready to spend a lot more time in Washington, D.C. over the course of the next four years in support of his favorite President—Donald J. Trump!” Giuliani wrote in the post accompanying the video.
The unexpected post led to further delays in the trial. According to reports, proceedings were ultimately postponed, leaving the court to await Giuliani’s appearance.
The situation adds another layer of drama to Giuliani’s legal and financial woes. The former mayor’s ongoing challenges include not just the defamation case but also his struggles to manage mounting legal bills and personal assets. Despite his dog’s cheerful presence at Mar-a-Lago, Giuliani’s own circumstances seem far less carefree.
Adding a touch of humor to the saga, Giuliani recently expressed frustration over a courtroom sketch artist’s depiction of him. He claimed the artist made him look like his dog, sparking a wave of social media jokes and memes.
With his Palm Beach condo at stake and significant financial liabilities looming, Giuliani’s social media activity has drawn sharp criticism. Many observers question the appropriateness of prioritizing a lighthearted video over a critical court appearance.
The trial will continue at a later date, with the court still set to decide whether Giuliani must forfeit his Florida residence to settle his debts. Meanwhile, Vinny’s Mar-a-Lago adventures may provide some solace to the embattled former mayor during this turbulent period.
