Federal Judge Rules Giuliani Liable for Defaming Election Workers

A federal judge has determined that Rudy Giuliani, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, is legally responsible for defaming two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. This ruling follows Giuliani’s unfounded claims that the two engaged in fraudulent activities during the 2020 presidential election, which have led to significant harassment and threats against them.

In a comprehensive 57-page ruling issued on Wednesday, Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia criticized Giuliani for his failure to comply with the discovery process. Howell stated that he “has bemoaned plaintiffs’ efforts to secure his compliance as ‘punishment by process.'” She further emphasized that Giuliani’s portrayal of himself as a victim has only disrupted the legal proceedings, rather than contributing to an equitable resolution of the case.

A jury will now determine the financial damages Giuliani must pay to Freeman and Moss. He accused them of “surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if they are vials of heroin or cocaine” while counting ballots. In reality, as Moss testified to Congress last year, Giuliani misinterpreted surveillance footage that showed Freeman handing her daughter a ginger mint, not engaging in any illicit activity.

Giuliani has faced ongoing scrutiny for leading the legal efforts to overturn the election results. He also alleged that Freeman and Moss were involved in a scheme related to “suitcases” filled with ballots, which were actually official ballot containers.

In a significant step last month, Giuliani conceded that he had made false and defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss. Reports indicate that the compensation owed to them could reach “thousands if not millions of dollars.” In addition, Giuliani has already incurred nearly $90,000 in sanctions for the attorneys’ fees of Freeman and Moss, with the possibility of facing further financial penalties, as noted by CNN.

The former New York City mayor is currently navigating a challenging financial landscape, compounded by ongoing legal battles associated with the 2020 election, a new criminal case in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the election, and other legal matters. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and remains free on bond.

This ruling highlights the ongoing consequences of spreading misinformation related to the electoral process and serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of influence. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the impact of such defamation on individuals, particularly those serving in roles critical to the democratic process.