Giuliani’s Defamation Payout to Election Workers Determined by Jury
TL/DR –
A trial is underway to determine the amount Rudy Giuliani will have to pay for defaming two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, with baseless accusations of election fraud in 2020. Freeman and Moss are seeking damages ranging from $15.5 million to $43 million for severe emotional distress caused by Giuliani’s conduct. Giuliani, who was found liable earlier this year, is also facing other legal, professional, and financial troubles related to his promotion of unfounded election fraud claims on behalf of former President Trump.
Jury Selection Begins for Giuliani’s Defamation Trial
Jury selection started this Monday for the trial determining the amount Rudy Giuliani must pay to two former Georgia election workers for defaming them with fraudulent claims about the 2020 election. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and federal prosecutor, was found to have defamed Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, by claiming they committed election fraud.
The Claims Against Giuliani
Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and Moss of handling USB drives as if they were illegal drugs, when in reality they were exchanging a mint. The judge found Giuliani liable earlier this year for disobeying court orders to surrender evidence in the case.
The Trial Proceedings
Giuliani arrived at the courtroom with a delay, blaming the security line at the courthouse. The potential jurors faced questions about their beliefs on Joe Biden’s election and if they’ve ever echoed QAnon conspiracy theories. Freeman and Moss plan to discuss the harm caused by Giuliani’s false allegations and seek damages ranging from $15.5 million to $43 million.
Last Week’s Pretrial Hearing
Before the trial, Giuliani missed a pretrial hearing he was required to attend, leading to a tense exchange with the judge. His attorney, Joseph Sibley, took responsibility for Giuliani’s absence, citing a misunderstanding of the judge’s order.
Giuliani’s Legal Troubles
The damages trial is one of many legal, professional, and financial problems Giuliani faces due to his unfounded election fraud allegations. He’s also facing criminal charges in Georgia, lawsuits from Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems, and an accusation of sexual assault from a former assistant. In the midst of these legal issues, Giuliani has struggled to cover his mounting legal bills, with his long-time attorney suing him for unpaid fees and dropping him as a client.
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