Rudy Giuliani, former attorney for Donald Trump, has lost a defamation lawsuit filed against him by two Georgia election workers. The decision by a federal judge could result in significant penalties for Giuliani. The lawsuit was brought by Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who claim they suffered emotional and reputational harm, as well as threats to their safety, after Giuliani made false claims of ballot tampering in Georgia following the 2020 election.
Giuliani struggled to maintain access to his electronic records and failed to adequately respond to subpoenas from Freeman and Moss’ attorneys, leading to his loss in the case. A trial will be scheduled to determine the amount of damages for which Giuliani will be held liable, which could range from thousands to millions of dollars.
In addition to the defamation lawsuit, Giuliani has already been sanctioned nearly $90,000 for Freeman and Moss’ attorneys’ fees, and he may face further sanctions. The former New York mayor has been facing financial difficulties due to the legal proceedings surrounding the 2020 election, as well as a new criminal case in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the election.
Last month, Giuliani admitted to making defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss and did not contest their accusations that he had smeared them after the election. The statements included calling them ballot-stuffing criminal conspirators and drawing attention to a video that falsely claimed to show suitcases filled with ballots.
Georgia election officials have debunked Giuliani’s accusations of fraud during the ballot counting. Freeman and Moss have spoken out about the impact of Trump and Giuliani’s claims on their lives, with Freeman stating that she feels unsafe and Moss expressing the destruction of her privacy.
During Giuliani’s disinformation campaign about the vote in Georgia, the FBI recommended that Freeman leave her home for her own safety. Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges in Georgia and has been released from jail on bond.
This story has been updated with additional reporting and details.
What evidence did the court find lacking in Giuliani’s claims against Freeman and Moss in the defamation lawsuit?
Asserted that Giuliani had spread false and defamatory statements regarding their involvement in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The judge ruled in favor of Freeman and Moss, outlining that Giuliani’s claims lacked evidence and were made with reckless disregard for the truth.
The court’s decision holds potential consequences for Giuliani as he could face severe penalties as a result of the defamation lawsuit. The plaintiffs sought compensatory and punitive damages, arguing that Giuliani’s false allegations had caused them significant harm to their personal and professional reputation.
Giuliani, a prominent figure in Trump’s legal team, had alleged that Freeman and Moss were part of a scheme to tamper with ballots during the Georgia presidential election. However, the court found no evidence to support these claims, ultimately leading to the unfavorable ruling against Giuliani.
The defamation lawsuit against Giuliani is just one of several legal challenges he is currently facing following his involvement in Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. This ruling may further hinder Giuliani’s credibility and legal standing as he deals with ongoing legal battles.
Overall, the court’s decision in favor of Freeman and Moss marks a significant setback for Giuliani as he faces potential penalties for his false and defamatory statements. This development adds to the growing list of legal troubles he is currently entangled in, posing potential ramifications for his reputation and future endeavors.
Well, looks like Giuliani’s legal battles are far from over.