A federal jury has ruled that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani must pay a staggering $148 million in damages to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two former Georgia election workers who were falsely accused of ballot fraud in the 2020 elections. The accusations, which gained traction due to Giuliani’s false claims, led to severe harassment and threats against the two women.
The eight-member jury, after approximately 10 hours of deliberations, awarded Freeman and Moss about $16 million each for defamation claims and an additional $20 million each for emotional distress caused by the baseless allegations. In a punitive measure, Giuliani was ordered to pay $75 million to deter similar smear campaigns in the future.
The verdict followed an unusual four-day trial, during which the sole task of the jury was to determine damages. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell had previously ruled Giuliani liable for failing to comply with orders to turn over evidence related to the case.
Despite the substantial judgment, it remains uncertain whether Freeman and Moss will receive the full amount, given Giuliani’s reported financial difficulties. The former mayor, 79, has faced financial challenges and, at times, sought assistance from Donald Trump’s political action committee to cover legal expenses. During closing arguments, Freeman and Moss’s lawyers hinted at the possibility that Giuliani might not be able to pay the judgment.
Giuliani, who has denied any wrongdoing, expressed his intention to appeal the decision outside the courthouse, calling the monetary award “absurd.” He distanced himself from the threats and harassment received by Freeman and Moss, stating that he, too, faces similar comments daily.
The trial featured live and recorded witnesses, including emotional testimony from Freeman and Moss. Their lawyers urged the jury to award $24 million each for defamation and additional amounts for emotional distress. The initial allegations, fueled by a misleading surveillance video of ballot counting, originated when Giuliani served as the head of then-President Trump’s legal defense team.
Although Trump was not a defendant in the lawsuit, the judge held Giuliani liable for Trump’s statements under the theory of civil conspiracy. Giuliani’s decision not to testify during the trial further diminished his standing, as his attorney cited concerns about contempt charges.
Giuliani’s defense argued against exorbitant damages, describing the plaintiffs’ claims as seeking a “catastrophic… Hollywood-type” award. However, the jury’s decision sends a strong message against false accusations and highlights the consequences of spreading misinformation in the public domain.
