WASHINGTON — A U.S. District Judge in Washington, D.C., will deliberate on whether former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani should face civil contempt charges for allegedly breaching a massive $148 million defamation judgment against him. The plaintiffs, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, argue Giuliani has persistently propagated falsehoods about their involvement in election fraud during the 2020 elections.
Moss and Freeman, both African American, claimed that Giuliani’s false accusations resulting from the 2020 presidential election led to severe harassment and racist threats against them. Their lawsuit culminated in December 2023 with a jury awarding them $75 million in punitive damages and approximately $73 million in compensatory damages.
The accusations stem from Giuliani’s role as an attorney for former President Donald Trump, where he targeted Moss and Freeman, alleging they were part of an election fraud conspiracy. Despite multiple admonitions, Giuliani reportedly continued to assert these claims, which were deemed baseless and harmful by the plaintiffs’ legal representatives.
The defense for Giuliani, however, maintains that there is insufficient evidence proving that he defied a court order. His legal team contends that Giuliani believed in good faith that his continued allegations in various November podcast episodes did not violate the defamation judgment. They argue against the imposition of contempt sanctions.
The hearing on this matter is scheduled closely following another legal setback for Giuliani. Earlier in the week, a federal judge in New York found Giuliani in contempt for not producing necessary evidence in a different case concerning his assets, including a dispute over a condominium in Palm Beach, Florida.
Giuliani, aged 80, expressed concerns over his health and safety regarding travel to the hearing. Despite receiving threats, the former mayor asserted his commitment to appear before Judge Beryl Howell. Giuliani suggested that the subpoena requests were excessively broad and could be a strategic trap by the opposing counsel.
In dramatic court testimony, Moss described the profound impact of the ordeal, stating she altered her appearance and retreated from public life to avoid recognition and further harassment. Freeman echoed the sentiment, highlighting the enduring emotional and physical toll the situation has imposed on their lives.
Freeman poignantly shared with the media that despite the financial compensation, the damages inflicted were irreparable. She lamented the loss of personal security and community, saying she could never return to her former life with peace and anonymity.
Judge Howell’s decision on whether Giuliani will face contempt charges could set a significant precedent regarding accountability for public figures making unfounded legal statements.
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