Rudy Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million to defamed election workers by jury
Former Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Pay $150 Million in Damages for Defamation
A Washington, D.C., jury has delivered a stunning verdict, ordering former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani to pay nearly $150 million in damages to two Georgia election workers. The defamation case stems from Giuliani’s actions following the 2020 presidential election.
Judge Beryl A. Howell of the Federal District Court in Washington had already ruled that Giuliani defamed Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss. The federal eight-person jury reached their verdict on Friday afternoon.
The jury’s order:
- Ruby Freeman: $16,171,000 for defamation.
- Shaye Moss: $16,998,000 for defamation.
- Ruby Freeman: $20 million for emotional distress.
- Shaye Moss: $20 million for emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: $75 million to both plaintiffs.
CNN reported that even Judge Howell was taken aback by the high figure.
Giuliani, however, remains defiant. Outside the courtroom, he stated, “I don’t regret a damn thing.” Online, he called the ruling “absurd” and announced his intention to appeal.
Legal analyst Elie Honig commented that the substantial damages were meant to send a message to Giuliani and the public at large.
“I think that’s exactly what the jury did here,” Honig said. “When we consider the injustices in this case, the stark contrast between a powerful, unrepentant liar like Rudy Giuliani and these women who are simply civil servants, it becomes clear why the jury awarded such a significant amount.”
Freeman and Moss expressed their gratitude for the ruling and their determination to continue seeking justice.
“A jury witnessed what Rudy Giuliani did to me and my daughter and held him accountable,” Freeman said. “Today is not the end. We still have work to do. Giuliani was not the only one spreading lies, and others must also face consequences. But that is tomorrow’s work.”
Moss emphasized the impact of Giuliani’s false statements on their lives, saying, “They changed every aspect of our lives. I may not be able to retire like my grandmother did, but by taking these significant steps towards justice, I hope to make her just as proud.”
What was the jury’s ruling in the defamation case against Giuliani?
The jury’s order is a significant blow to Giuliani, who served as a prominent figure in former President Donald Trump’s legal team. The jury found that Giuliani made false and defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss in an attempt to discredit the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.
The defamation case revolves around Giuliani’s participation in a series of press conferences and media appearances after the election. In these events, Giuliani made numerous unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud and a rigged election. Specifically, he accused Freeman and Moss of participating in a scheme to manipulate votes in favor of President Joe Biden.
Freeman and Moss, who worked as election officials in Fulton County, Georgia, took legal action against Giuliani, alleging that his false statements had damaged their reputations and caused them significant emotional distress. They argued that Giuliani’s defamatory remarks had led to threats against their lives and livelihoods.
The jury’s ruling affirms the strength of Freeman and Moss’ case. The significant damages awarded reflect the severity of Giuliani’s actions and their impact on the plaintiffs. The jury recognized that Giuliani’s false statements had caused substantial harm and that he must be held accountable for his words.
It is worth noting that Giuliani’s legal troubles extend beyond this defamation case. He is currently facing a $1.3 billion lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, a company that provides voting machines and software. Dominion alleges that Giuliani defamed the company by spreading baseless conspiracy theories about its role in the election.
The verdict in the defamation case against Giuliani serves as a warning to individuals in positions of power and influence. It sends a message that spreading false information and engaging in defamation will not go unpunished. The ruling reinforces the importance of truth and integrity in public discourse, particularly when it comes to matters as significant as the democratic process.
Furthermore, this case highlights the attempts made to undermine the credibility of the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani’s false claims of widespread voter fraud not only targeted individual election officials but also sought to delegitimize the entire electoral process. Such actions erode public trust in democracy and can have far-reaching consequences.
This verdict should serve as a reminder that democratic elections are the foundation of a functioning society and must be protected from baseless attacks. It is essential that individuals who spread misinformation or engage in defamatory actions are held accountable to prevent further damage to the democratic principles on which our society is built.
Giuliani’s legal team has indicated that they will appeal the jury’s verdict. The case will likely continue to garner significant attention as it progresses through the appeals process.
As for Freeman and Moss, the jury’s order represents a vindication of their reputations and a step towards justice. It validates their courage in standing up against false accusations and demonstrates that truth can prevail in the face of defamation.
In conclusion, the jury’s decision to order Rudy Giuliani to pay $150 million in damages for defamation marks a significant milestone in the legal battle over the 2020 presidential election. It serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and accountability, and the potential consequences for those who engage in falsehoods and defamation. As the case continues to unfold, it will undoubtedly have broader implications for the future of public discourse and the protection of democratic processes.
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