Judith Giuliani: Relationship, Marriage, and Role in Rudy Giuliani's Career
The partnership between Judith Giuliani (née Nathan) and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was marked by a blend of personal support, professional collaboration, and intense public scrutiny. From their initial meeting in the late 1990s to their eventual divorce, Judith played a multifaceted role as a caregiver, advisor, and campaign strategist.
The Beginning of a Relationship
Judith Nathan and Rudy Giuliani first met in May 1999 at Club Macanudo, a cigar bar located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The two were introduced by a mutual friend who is a doctor. At the time of their meeting, the circumstances were complex: Giuliani was still living with his second wife, Donna Hanover, though the couple had been publicly distant since 1996. Similarly, Nathan was still living with her partner, Zacharioudakis, despite having separated a few months prior.
For approximately one year, the couple kept their relationship secret. By early 2000, Giuliani began providing Nathan with New York Police Department (NYPD) security and chauffeuring services. They began appearing together at public events in March 2000, and by May 2000, Giuliani publicly acknowledged her as a "very good friend" while announcing his separation from Hanover.
Health Challenges and Professional Support
Judith Nathan's background in nursing became a cornerstone of her relationship with the mayor. In late 2000, Giuliani credited her medical expertise for helping him navigate treatment for prostate cancer. He praised her for aggressively researching treatment options, describing her as his single biggest support and an expert in medicine and science.
This professional value extended into Giuliani's business ventures. At Giuliani Partners, the firm where Rudy Giuliani served as chairman and CEO, Judith was regarded as a key advisor. Her expertise in biological and chemical agents was particularly valued for the firm's security work, specifically regarding threats like smallpox or anthrax attacks. Additionally, from shortly before their marriage until the start of his presidential bid, Giuliani paid her an average of $125,000 annually for her work as a speechwriter.
Marriage and Private Life
The couple became engaged in Paris in November 2002 and married on May 24, 2003. The ceremony took place at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, and was one of only two weddings performed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The reception hosted 400 guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and politics.
The couple maintained a high-profile lifestyle, owning a $5 million apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and a $4 million summer residence in The Hamptons.
Role in the Presidential Campaign
When Rudy Giuliani launched his presidential campaign in 2007, Judith served as both a fundraiser and an advisor. However, this period brought significant media attention and controversy. Press reports revealed her first marriage to Jeffrey Ross and scrutinized her educational background.
During an interview on 20/20 with Barbara Walters, the couple suggested that Judith would attend Cabinet meetings if Giuliani were elected. This proposal drew criticism, and the couple eventually retracted the idea. Other controversies emerged regarding her travel requirements and conflicts with campaign aides, with some media outlets portraying her as extravagant. Despite these tensions, Giuliani defended her as a capable fundraiser and a meaningful contributor to healthcare policy, citing her two-year nursing degree and her experience selling pharmaceuticals.
Divorce and Legal Disputes
The marriage ended in 2018 when Judith Giuliani filed for divorce on April 4. The divorce was officially settled on December 10, 2019. However, legal conflicts persisted; on August 2, 2022, Judith Giuliani filed a lawsuit against her former husband through attorney Dror Bikel, alleging non-compliance with the terms of their divorce settlement.
Key Facts
- First Meeting: May 1999 at Club Macanudo, New York City.
- Wedding Date: May 24, 2003, at Gracie Mansion.
- Professional Role: Served as a speechwriter (earning ~$125k/year) and advisor at Giuliani Partners.
- Medical Contribution: Used her nursing background to assist Rudy Giuliani during prostate cancer treatment.
- Campaign Role: Advisor and fundraiser for the 2007 presidential campaign.
- Divorce: Filed in April 2018; settled in December 2019.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education/Training | Two-year nursing degree; pharmaceutical sales experience. |
| Key Expertise | Medical science, biological and chemical security agents. |
| Real Estate | Upper East Side apartment ($5M) and Hamptons home ($4M). |
| Legal Status | Divorced (2019); filed non-compliance lawsuit (2022). |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Judith and Rudy Giuliani meet?
They were introduced by a mutual friend who is a doctor in May 1999 at Club Macanudo, a cigar bar on the Upper East Side of New York City.
What professional role did Judith play at Giuliani Partners?
She served as an expert advisor, specifically providing guidance on biological and chemical security threats, such as anthrax and smallpox attacks.
How did Judith assist Rudy Giuliani during his illness?
Utilizing her nursing background, she aggressively researched treatment options and provided critical medical and emotional support during his treatment for prostate cancer.
What controversies surrounded her during the 2007 presidential campaign?
Controversies included a proposed plan for her to attend Cabinet meetings, reports regarding her spending habits, and conflicts with campaign aides.
When did the couple divorce?
Judith filed for divorce on April 4, 2018, and the matter was settled on December 10, 2019.
Why did Judith Giuliani sue Rudy Giuliani in 2022?
She filed a lawsuit alleging that her former husband was in non-compliance regarding the terms of their divorce settlement.