Former Georgia Election Workers Awarded $148 Million in Defamation Case Against Rudy Giuliani

Atlanta, Georgia – Former election workers in Georgia have been awarded $148 million in damages in a defamation case against Rudy Giuliani. The lawsuit stemmed from Giuliani’s spreading of unfounded claims about the workers following the 2020 presidential election. The false accusations led to a wave of harassment and threats against the workers.

Giuliani, former lawyer for ex-President Donald Trump, was found liable of defamation in the case. The jury’s task was to determine the amount of damages he should pay. The verdict was reached after three hours of deliberation on Thursday, following a three-day trial in Washington D.C.

Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the election workers who filed the lawsuit, testified that they faced a barrage of hateful and threatening messages due to the conspiracy theories promoted by Giuliani and other Trump allies. Freeman and Moss, who are Black, also experienced racist harassment. They had asked the jury to award them at least $24 million each in defamation damages, as well as compensation for emotional harm and punitive damages.

During the trial, Giuliani’s attorney argued that his client was not solely responsible for the harassment the workers endured, pointing to the right-wing website Gateway Pundit as a source of the conspiracy theories. However, the jury held Giuliani accountable for the damages caused by his false accusations.

The impact on Freeman and Moss’s lives was significant. Moss expressed fear for her safety and that of her son, while Freeman was forced to leave her home and lived out of her car due to the severity of the threats. The jury’s decision serves as a vindication for the workers, affirming that their reputations were unjustly tarnished by Giuliani’s falsehoods.

Giuliani’s legal troubles continue to mount, as he is also facing criminal charges in Georgia related to allegations of racketeering. Alongside 18 others, including Trump, Giuliani is accused of attempting to keep Trump in power through illegal means. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The verdict in the defamation case against Giuliani sends a strong message that spreading baseless claims can have significant consequences. It highlights the importance of responsible speech and the potential harm that can be inflicted upon individuals and their lives. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the need for accuracy and integrity in public discourse, particularly in matters as significant as elections.