ATLANTA, GEORGIA – In a high-profile defamation case, a jury has awarded $148 million in damages to two former election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani. The workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, were subject to harassment and threats after Giuliani spread lies about them following the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, falsely accused Freeman and Moss of ballot fraud in an attempt to overturn the election results.
The jury’s decision came after a three-day trial in Washington, D.C., where Giuliani was found liable for defamation. The jury deliberated for over three hours before reaching a verdict on the amount of damages to be awarded. The case highlighted the impact of false accusations on the lives of the victims, who faced a wave of hateful messages and racist harassment.
Freeman and Moss, who are both Black, testified about the profound emotional harm they suffered as a result of Giuliani’s actions. Moss expressed her fear for her safety and the safety of her loved ones, revealing her concern about her son finding her hanging in front of their house. Freeman, on the other hand, shared her experience of being forced to leave her home and living out of her car due to the severe threats she received.
Giuliani’s attorney argued that his client was not solely responsible for the harassment the workers faced. Instead, he pointed to right-wing websites that spread the conspiracy theory about Freeman and Moss. The attorney suggested that Giuliani was targeted because he was seen as having deep pockets.
This defamation case is not the only legal battle Giuliani faces. He is also currently facing criminal charges in Georgia, along with 18 others, including former President Trump. The charges accuse them of racketeering to keep Trump in power. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the more than a dozen charges he faces in the case.
The verdict against Giuliani sends a strong message that spreading lies and misinformation about individuals can have severe consequences. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in defamation may be held accountable in a court of law.
In conclusion, a jury has awarded $148 million in damages to former Georgia election workers who were defamed by Rudy Giuliani. This case sheds light on the harmful impact of false accusations and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their defamatory statements.