A federal jury ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
This decision follows accusations by Giuliani that the workers were involved in stealing the 2020 election, claims which were proven false.
The jury, after over nine hours of deliberation, issued a penalty far exceeding the $48 million initially sought by the plaintiffs. The verdict is notable as it holds Giuliani, being a central figure in Trump’s circle, accountable for spreading election fraud myths.
The jury found him liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy, leading to the substantial damages awarded to the plaintiffs.
The major award was in favor of Georgia election workers, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman with Giuliani accusing them of rigging the 2020 election.
Giuliani Challenges
The substantial damages reflect both punitive and compensatory aspects, highlighting the severe impact of Giuliani’s actions on Freeman and Moss. Giuliani, facing significant legal and financial challenges, remains defiant despite the verdict.
Giuliani remained unrepentant after the ruling, telling reporters outside the courthouse, “The absurdity of the number underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding.” He also oddly indicated that he had not been able to offer evidence in support of his case saying: “I have not been allowed to offer one single piece of evidence in defense, of which I have a lot.”
Giuliani’s lawyer Joseph Sibley (right, with Giuliani) acknowledged the harm caused but argued that the penalty would be catastrophic for Giuliani, highlighting his past as New York’s mayor during 9/11.
The jury award follows the April agreement with Fox News agreeing to pay Dominion Voting Systems almost $780 million to settle a lawsuit claiming that the network damaged the voting machine company’s reputation by publishing false claims that its equipment manipulated votes by sending Trump votes to Biden.
Dominion and another electronic voting company, Smartmatic, have separate lawsuits pending against defendants including media outlets, Giuliani, former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell and others.
