Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Giuliani Hater Gets Up in Rudy's Grill Out in the Hamptons


By

Billy Parker

Published May 24, 2009

Modified May 24, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Billy Parker

Published May 24, 2009

Modified May 24, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Rudy Giuliani and wife Judi Nathan were enjoying the holiday weekend in the Hamptons yesterday when a publishing executive got in the face of the former mayor and gave him a little more than a piece of his mind. After stepping out of a Presbyterian church where he was attending an art fair, 69-year-old John McCluskey confronted the Giulianis on a Bridgehampton street, poked his finger in Rudy's chest and uttered a sentiment more than a few New Yorkers share, "You're the worst person in the world and I'm going to punch you out!"

Giuliani, not one to back down from a fight, stepped up to McCluskey "told him to bring it." The mayor, who will turn 65 this Thursday, fired back at his aggressor, "Alright, do it then!". While he was ready to go, his wife Judith repeatedly yelled at McCluskey, "I want him in jail!"

Police arrived quickly and did just that, charging him with second-degree harassment before he was released on bail soon after. McCluskey is also a documentary filmmaker, tarot card reader and author, who has written books such as "The Complete Book of Wedding Toasts" and "Amazing Mystic Tarot." He told Newsday, "I am not a respecter of him, and I told him essentially that he would prosecute and persecute a cheese sandwich if he got the opportunity."

The News calls McCluskey "an angry lunatic" and seems surprised when a witness describes him by saying, "He did not appear to be disheveled. [McCluskey] was dressed normally." The Giulianis have been vacationing together in the Hamptons for some time now, including before Giuliani had ended his previous marriage and possibly at one time on the dime of NYC taxpayers.

Tagged

altercation

bridgehampton

Hamptons

john mccluskey

judith nathan

rudy giuliani


Billy Parker

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks

A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.

By

Catalina Gonella

Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET


Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward

News

Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward


Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law

By

Gino Fanelli

NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting

By

Ryan Kost

,

Elizabeth Kim

and

Phil Corso

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

By

Ryan Kost


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .