In a significant legal development, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been sanctioned for contempt of court due to his continued defamatory remarks about two Georgia election workers. This latest action underscores the persistent legal challenges Giuliani faces following his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
In December 2023, a federal jury in Washington D.C. ordered Giuliani, who previously served as Donald Trump’s personal attorney, to pay approximately $148 million to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The hefty judgment was a response to Giuliani’s repeated false allegations that Freeman and Moss were involved in fraudulent activities during the 2020 election process.
During a recent hearing in Washington, District Judge Beryl Howell reprimanded Giuliani for his ongoing defamatory statements about the plaintiffs. Judge Howell warned that further defamatory actions could result in additional fines, highlighting the court’s commitment to enforcing the defamation ruling.
This marks the second time Giuliani has been held in contempt this week. Earlier on Monday, a New York district judge found him in contempt for failing to disclose information regarding assets he is obligated to transfer to Freeman and Moss. In response to the Washington hearing, Giuliani lashed out at Judge Howell, dismissing her authority and suggesting she is intent on imprisoning him. He asserted that he should not be the one facing penalties or contempt charges.
Giuliani, now 80, played a pivotal role in former President Trump’s efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, which Trump lost to Joe Biden. His persistent unfounded claims about election fraud led to his disbarment and significant financial troubles, including filing for bankruptcy. As part of his legal obligations, Giuliani has been ordered to surrender valuable assets, including a $6 million New York apartment, a 1980 Mercedes Benz convertible, and various luxury items.
The defamation case centered on Giuliani’s misrepresentation of a video in which Freeman and Moss were seen passing a mint. Giuliani falsely claimed that the women were exchanging a USB drive loaded with illicit substances to manipulate the election outcome. Freeman and Moss, both Black women, testified that Giuliani’s baseless accusations had devastating effects on their lives, exposing them to racist threats and public harassment.
An eight-member federal jury awarded Freeman and Moss substantial damages, totaling over $100 million each, for defamation, emotional distress, and punitive reasons. These verdicts reflect the court’s stance against the spread of false information and the protection of individuals against defamatory attacks.
Rudy Giuliani’s latest contempt ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions that can follow from spreading false and damaging statements. As Giuliani continues to navigate these legal challenges, the case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for defamation and the integrity of the judicial process.
