Giuliani Records Cameo Endorsing Case Against His Own Client

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/09/giuliani-records-cameo-endorsing-case-against-his-own-client.html

Freedom of speech and freedom from compelled speech are protected rights in America, but nothing can protect Rudy Giuliani from himself.

In a video obtained by New York, the former mayor stars in an inadvertent public-service announcement on the dangers of operating a Cameo account while under criminal investigation and over the age of 75. For 52 seconds, Giuliani reads an endorsement of several journalists and activists who have reported critically on, or campaigned against, Derwick Associates, the energy firm founded by Alejandro Betancourt, a Venezuelan businessman reportedly represented by Giuliani. In 2020, Reuters published an extensive report detailing allegations that Giuliani sought to leverage his relationship with Donald Trump to help Betancourt out of a bind with the Justice Department amid charges of money laundering and bribery in Florida. Giuliani is under federal criminal investigation for similar foreign influence schemes involving Ukraine and Turkey. The message was recorded, Giuliani says, on behalf of Derwick Associates.

“Angus, Cesar, Orlando, Alek, Thor, Otto, this is from the staff of Derwick Associates,” Giuliani says, referring to Reuters investigative journalist Angus Berwick; independent Venezuelan investigative journalists Cesar Batiz, Orlando Avendaño, and Alek Boyd; anti-corruption activist Thor Halvorssen; and Ronald Reagan’s ambassador to Venezuela, Otto Reich. “This is Rudy Giuliani, and the message they want me to deliver is: The employees and the field staff of Derwick Associates want to thank you for your honesty and devotion, that you have fought for them for years and that — um — you’re very, very exceptionally dedicated,” Giuliani says, addressing the camera from a dimly lit room, an eagle statue and a copy of his 2002 book, Leadership, positioned behind him.

“Well, that’s a nice thing!” Giuliani adds. “I really wish somebody would send me a message like that! I think you can be very, very proud of it. It sounds like it comes from the heart, and it comes from having done very hard work. I wish I knew more about it, I could say more, but that’s the message they gave me to deliver to you. And, again, I congratulate you on having done such fine work for the people that appreciate you so much!”

*snip*