Former Georgia election workers awarded $148 million in defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani
A jury has awarded $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers in a defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani. The lawsuit stemmed from false claims made by Giuliani in 2020 that led to racist threats and harassment against the plaintiffs, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman.
Punitive damages and emotional response
The damages include a $75 million punitive award and approximately $36 million for each of the women in other damages. Giuliani showed no visible emotion as the verdict was delivered, and he plans to appeal, considering the awarded amount absurd.
Continued false accusations and legal troubles
Giuliani had already been found liable in the case and acknowledged making false accusations against the women. Despite this, he continued to repeat baseless allegations outside the courthouse. The judgment adds to Giuliani’s growing legal and financial troubles, particularly regarding his defense against lawsuits related to his support of Trump’s false election fraud claims.
Criminal charges and setbacks
Giuliani is also facing criminal charges in Georgia related to alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election results. This defamation case represents a significant setback for Giuliani, both legally and financially.
In a landmark decision, a federal jury has awarded $148 million in damages to a group of Georgia election workers who were targeted by former President Donald Trump’s attorney, Rudy Giuliani, over baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The ruling represents a significant victory for the individuals who were subjected to harassment and threats as a result of Giuliani’s false statements.
The lawsuit, filed by 14 election workers in Georgia, alleged that Giuliani’s relentless promotion of unfounded conspiracy theories about the election had put their lives in danger and caused irreparable harm to their reputations. The workers, who were responsible for counting and processing ballots in the state, claimed that they had been subjected to a barrage of threats and harassment from Trump supporters following Giuliani’s incendiary remarks.
During the trial, the plaintiffs presented evidence showing that Giuliani had repeatedly made false and defamatory statements about the election workers, accusing them of participating in a vast conspiracy to steal the election from Trump. The jury found that Giuliani’s actions had crossed the line from protected speech to defamation, and awarded the workers $148 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
The ruling sends a clear message that public figures like Giuliani cannot spread lies and misinformation with impunity, especially when their actions have real-world consequences for innocent individuals. It also serves as a warning to others who may seek to undermine the integrity of the electoral process through baseless allegations of fraud.
In a statement following the verdict, the plaintiffs expressed relief and gratitude for the jury’s decision, stating that they hoped it would serve as a deterrent to others who might seek to spread falsehoods for political gain. They also called on Giuliani to publicly retract his statements and apologize for the harm he had caused.
Giuliani, for his part, has vowed to appeal the ruling, claiming that his statements were protected by the First Amendment and that he had acted in good faith in his efforts to challenge the election results. However, legal experts say that his chances of success on appeal are slim, given the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.
The verdict in this case represents a significant victory for truth and accountability in the face of disinformation and political manipulation. It serves as a reminder that the rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of their status or position, and that those who seek to undermine it will be held accountable for their actions. The election workers in Georgia have finally received the justice they deserve, and their victory will stand as a testament to the power of the legal system to protect the rights and reputations of all citizens.