Rudy Giuliani, a close ally of former President and 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, is facing a hefty $148 million penalty for spreading false information about the 2020 election. A judge found Giuliani responsible for defaming Georgia poll workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Shaye Moss.
After a four-day trial, the jury ordered Giuliani to pay $20 million to each victim for defamation, along with over $16 million each for emotional distress. Additionally, a punitive damages payment of $75 million was directed to be split between them. Initially seeking damages ranging from $15 million to $43 million, Freeman and Moss highlighted the severity of misinformation, calling Giuliani “patient zero” and emphasizing the importance of a substantial financial penalty.
Giuliani, with a net worth of around $50 million, plans to appeal what he deems an absurd penalty. Despite the verdict, he stated, I don’t regret a damn thing. His lawyers argued for a measured response, claiming he was not as responsible or malicious as portrayed by the women’s legal team.
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During the trial, Freeman revealed the distress caused by Giuliani’s false claims, leading to Trump supporters gathering outside her home and prompting an FBI warning about potential danger. Freeman and Moss hinted at possible lawsuits against other figures who spread lies about them.
This trial in Washington DC is just one of Giuliani’s numerous legal challenges. In Georgia, he faces criminal charges in an election-subversion case against Trump. Additionally, he is being sued for $10 million over sexual harassment claims, and court filings show Giuliani owes over half a million dollars in federal taxes. Giuliani’s legal woes date back to 2018 when his divorce case exposed extravagant spending habits, including thousands on cigars, fountain pens, alleged mistresses, personal enjoyment, and travel.
