Defamation Case Results in Rudy Giuliani Paying Over $148 Million in Damages
TL/DR –
Rudy Giuliani, a former attorney for Donald Trump, was ordered to pay $148 million in damages to two Georgia poll workers for defaming their character through election fraud conspiracy theories. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., had previously ruled that Giuliani’s claims were “false and unsubstantiated” and that they led to waves of racist and violent threats and harassment against the plaintiffs. A jury determined that Giuliani must pay the plaintiffs over $36 million each in compensatory damages, $75 million each in punitive damages, in addition to $230K in legal fees and sanctions.
The Case Against Giuliani
In December 2023, ex-Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million in damages to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia poll workers, for false election conspiracy claims concerning their work in the 2020 election.
Judge Beryl Howell had previously ruled in August 2023 that Giuliani’s false election theft accusations were determined to be “false and unsubstantiated” by a Georgia State Elections Board investigation. Despite this, Giuliani continued to assert his claims.
The recent trial phase determined the damages Giuliani would pay for his statements.
The Trial
An expert testified about the impact of Giuliani’s claims on social media. After his first false claims in December 2020, online focus on the poll workers significantly increased.
These statements led to racist threats and harassment, causing the plaintiffs to fear for their lives, and affecting their employment and mental health.
The Verdict
A jury dictated that Giuliani must pay $148 million in total damages to the plaintiffs for his actions.
The workers sought compensatory and punitive damages based on the defamatory statements and emotional distress. The jury awarded over $36 million each in compensatory damages and $75 million each in punitive damages. This is in addition to the $230K in legal fees and sanctions Giuliani was previously ordered to pay.
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