Rudy Giuliani, a close ally of Donald Trump and former mayor of New York, has been instructed to pay $148.1 million
Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to pay nearly $148.1 million in damages to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, former Georgia election workers he defamed after the 2020 presidential election. However, the big question remains whether Freeman and Moss will actually receive any of that money.
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and ex-lawyer for Donald Trump, has expressed his intention to challenge the jury’s decision, instructing him to pay approximately $148.1 million to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. These individuals, former election workers in Georgia, were criticized by Giuliani after the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani and his legal team argue that he lacks the funds to cover his debts, but the actual extent of his wealth remains uncertain. The judge’s ruling emphasizes the consequences of spreading misinformation, highlighting the legal repercussions Giuliani now faces. Despite plans to appeal and disagreements with the judgment, this case underscores the significance of accountability in the context of false claims related to the election.
During the legal proceedings, Freeman and Moss’s lawyers attempted to determine Giuliani’s net worth. Unfortunately, due to his non-compliance with many legal requests, they couldn’t establish a specific figure.
Following a four-day trial in Washington, a verdict was reached regarding Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. Testifying in court, they expressed fear for their lives, attributing it to Rudy Giuliani’s false claims that they tampered with votes.
- Accusations Against Election Workers: Giuliani faced defamation charges for spreading false accusations against election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, claiming they tampered with votes in the 2020 Presidential Election.
- $148.1 Million Damages: The jury awarded $148.1 million in damages to Freeman and Moss for the harm caused by Giuliani’s defamatory statements.
- Impact on Plaintiffs: Freeman and Moss detailed the severe consequences of Giuliani’s lies, including harassment, threats, and the need to relocate for safety.
- Racist Messages Presented: During the trial, lawyers played audio and displayed racist messages received by Freeman and Moss, emphasizing the harm caused by Giuliani’s false claims.
- Giuliani’s Response: Giuliani, dismissing the verdict, announced plans to appeal, emphasizing the perceived absurdity of the Judgement.
- No Testimony from Giuliani: Originally expected to testify, Giuliani did not take the stand after incidents of doubling down on his statements.
- Expert Testimony: Northwestern University professor Ashlee Humphreys provided expert testimony, illustrating the reputational damage suffered by Freeman and Moss due to association with Election Fraud.
- Plaintiffs’ Hope for Accountability: Freeman and Moss’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, expressed hope that the case sends a clear message against launching smear campaigns.
- Jury Verdict: After a day of deliberation, the jury delivered the $148.1 million damages Verdict on Friday afternoon.
Ken Frydman, who worked as a spokesperson for Giuliani, mentioned on Media that it’s unlikely Giuliani can afford the full amount, but the judgment sends a message for other defamation cases. Giuliani plans to appeal, dismissing the awarded money as absurd, and he continues to stand by his defamatory comments without providing any evidence.