Atlanta, Georgia – former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, has been found liable in a civil defamation case brought against him by election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The federal jury, presided over by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, awarded Freeman and Moss a total of $148.17 million in damages after four days of trial testimony. The case focused on false claims made by Giuliani about the two women in relation to the 2020 presidential election.
The plaintiffs initially sought a minimum of $24 million each for Giuliani’s defamatory statements accusing them of election fraud. Judge Howell had previously declared the remarks to be defamatory, leading to the trial. While Giuliani had indicated he would testify, he ultimately decided against it. He had previously claimed that his testimony would unequivocally prove the truthfulness of his statements.
Giuliani responded to the verdict in a written statement, referring to the amount awarded as “absurd” and expressing his intention to appeal. In his statement, he criticized the entirety of the legal proceedings, stating, “The absurdity of the amount is indicative of the absurdity and unfairness of the entire proceeding. I wasn’t able to offer any evidence in my defense. We’ll have more to say and look forward to the appeal.”
Outside the courtroom, Freeman and Moss expressed their gratitude for the jury’s decision and emphasized the significant impact of Giuliani’s false claims on their lives. Moss highlighted the profound consequences, stating that the lies had “changed every aspect of our lives, our homes, our family, our work, our sense of safety, our mental health.”
Freeman echoed this sentiment, calling for accountability beyond Giuliani. She urged for others who had spread false information about them to be held responsible as well. “Today is not the end of the road,” Freeman asserted. “We still have work to do. Rudy Giuliani was not the only one who spread lies about us, and others must be held accountable, too.”
The jury’s award was divided into three categories. Both plaintiffs received $20 million each for emotional distress, and they were collectively granted $75 million in punitive damages. Additionally, Freeman was awarded $16,171,000 for defamation claims, while Moss received $16,998,000.
In conclusion, Rudy Giuliani has been found liable in a defamation case brought by election workers in Atlanta, Georgia. The federal jury awarded Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss a total of $148.17 million in damages. Giuliani referred to the amount as “absurd” and plans to appeal the judgment. Freeman and Moss expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision and called for accountability for others who spread false information about them. The breakdown of the jury’s award included emotional distress compensation and punitive damages.