Ruth Madoff Clings to Fur Coat — And Claim of Innocence

It appears that, despite the extensive litigation over assets seized by the U.S. government to pay victims of Bernard Madoff, Ruth Madoff had one more claim to make before being kicked out of her $7 million Manhattan home — her fur coat. While it is the dead of summer, Madoff insisted that she wanted to leave with the coat but the Marshals made her surrender the coat as part of the assets of estate.

Madoff reportedly wanted to stay in the home but was forced to leave with what is described as a straw bag. Ruth Madoff agreed to give up all of the property except $2.5 million. Many victims who lost their savings and homes are upset with the arrangement and felt that Ruth should not be left a millionaire. However, it is possible for that remaining money could be sought in civil actions.

Of course, now she has PETA and not just prosecutors made at her.

What was most amazing was a statement from Ruth Madoff after her husband’s statement before sentencing. She insisted that the statement “stunned us all with his confession and is responsible for this terrible situation in which so many now find themselves.”

“Stunned us all”? Hmmm, his sons and associates work with a man running a multi-billion Ponzi scheme for years. The newspapers and court then details how he shifted money to sustain the criminal enterprise — losing the money of thousands. However, she and her family were still able to feign a perfect Claude Reins “I’m shocked, shocked” moment.

For future reference, this clip may help Ruth in maintaining the appearance of utter surprise:

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