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Federal Judge Finds Giuliani Accountable in Defamation Case Involving Georgia Election Workers for Failure to Disclose Information

by Ryan Lee
10 comments
Giuliani Defamation Lawsuit

A United States federal judge determined on Wednesday that Rudy Giuliani is accountable in a defamation lawsuit filed by two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss. The court found that Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, failed to fulfill his legal responsibilities and instead opted to portray himself as a victim.

Judge Beryl Howell stated that punitive measures were warranted because Giuliani neglected his legal obligation to provide pertinent information to Freeman and Moss, as mandated in their defamation suit against him. The lawsuit, initiated in December 2021, alleges that Giuliani, an attorney and close associate of former President Donald Trump, slandered them by falsely claiming that they were involved in fraudulent ballot counting at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

The affected election workers said in a Wednesday statement that they have suffered through an “unbearable ordeal” and an overwhelming “onslaught of hostility and threats” as a consequence of Giuliani’s allegations. “Though nothing can entirely make up for our losses, today’s judgment serves as another impartial verification confirming what we’ve always maintained: that the accusations against us were baseless, and we have been wrongfully vilified for political ends,” they stated.

This latest ruling exacerbates the legal difficulties facing Giuliani, especially when considered alongside his and Trump’s inclusion among 19 defendants recently indicted in a Georgia racketeering case related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Additionally, this opens up the possibility of a substantial financial penalty for Giuliani as the case moves toward a federal trial in Washington D.C., where damages will be assessed by a jury.

Judge Howell ordered Giuliani to provide the missing information—referred to legally as “discovery”—and warned that failing to do so could result in further sanctions. In the interim, Giuliani and his associated business entities have been directed to pay in excess of $130,000 for the plaintiffs’ legal fees.

While Giuliani claims he cannot afford these reimbursements, Judge Howell noted his recent listing of a Manhattan apartment for $6.5 million and his use of a private jet to fly to Atlanta to respond to charges. “Presenting oneself as a victim may find favor with some segments of the public, but within the legal system, this approach has only undermined the standard process of discovery in what is essentially a straightforward defamation lawsuit,” wrote Howell.

The judge pointed out that Giuliani had submitted an initial batch of 193 pages of documents but failed to provide anything beyond “a single page of correspondence, incomprehensible data fragments, and only a minimal portion of the required financial documents.” Judge Howell posited, “Whatever his rationale, he has specific obligations in this case, and the consequence of not meeting them is severe.”

Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, issued a statement contending that the judge’s decision represents an “abuse of the justice system, where the procedure itself becomes punitive.” He argued that Giuliani has been wrongly penalized for not preserving electronic evidence, which had been seized by the FBI in a separate investigation that led to no criminal charges.

In a previous admission, Giuliani conceded to making public remarks falsely alleging that the election workers had committed fraud during the 2020 election. However, he maintained that his statements were constitutionally protected under the First Amendment. Judge Howell found that such a concession had “significant gaps in logic” and insinuated that Giuliani was more interested in acknowledging the allegations than in producing substantive discovery for the lawsuit.

Both Freeman and Moss have been subjected to severe harassment since the allegations became public. Moss has been employed with the Fulton County elections department since 2012 and oversaw the absentee ballot operation for the 2020 election. Giuliani and his associates had claimed in a Georgia legislative subcommittee hearing in December 2020 that surveillance footage from State Farm Arena depicted both women committing electoral fraud. This led to an influx of abuse, both online and in person, for the two women, which they have detailed in various testimonies, including before the congressional committee investigating the January 6th insurrection.


Follow Eric Tucker at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Giuliani Defamation Lawsuit

What is the primary focus of the legal case against Rudy Giuliani?

The primary focus is a defamation lawsuit filed by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss. They allege that Giuliani falsely accused them of election fraud during the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

Who is the federal judge overseeing this case?

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is overseeing this defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani.

What did Judge Beryl Howell rule regarding Rudy Giuliani?

Judge Beryl Howell held Rudy Giuliani accountable for failing to fulfill his legal obligations to disclose pertinent information in the defamation lawsuit. She also warned of potential financial penalties for non-compliance.

What potential consequences could Rudy Giuliani face?

The ruling exposes Giuliani to increased legal jeopardy and the possibility of significant financial penalties, especially as the case moves toward a federal trial in Washington D.C.

What were the allegations made against Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss?

Giuliani and his associates claimed that Freeman and Moss were involved in fraudulent ballot counting at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena during the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

How did Freeman and Moss respond to the judge’s ruling?

Freeman and Moss stated that they had endured an unbearable ordeal due to Giuliani’s false accusations but expressed relief at the judge’s impartial verification confirming that they had done nothing wrong.

What are the legal implications for Rudy Giuliani beyond this defamation case?

The defamation ruling comes at a time when Giuliani is also among 19 defendants recently indicted in a Georgia racketeering case related to attempts to overturn the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

Is Rudy Giuliani required to pay any fees?

Yes, Giuliani and his associated business entities have been directed to pay over $130,000 in legal fees to the plaintiffs.

Did Rudy Giuliani concede to making false public comments?

Last month, Giuliani admitted that he made false public statements alleging that the election workers committed fraud during the 2020 election but argued that his comments were protected under the First Amendment.

What is the role of Judge Howell’s ruling in Giuliani’s overall legal situation?

The ruling exacerbates Giuliani’s legal challenges and introduces the potential for substantial financial penalties as the defamation case proceeds toward a federal trial.

More about Giuliani Defamation Lawsuit

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10 comments

SamW August 30, 2023 - 11:03 pm

It’s about time someone held Giuliani accountable, its not just about winning but also about how you play the game.

Reply
BenH August 31, 2023 - 12:19 am

Rudy’s legal woes just keep piling up. This is like a slow-moving trainwreck.

Reply
Tom_Rich August 31, 2023 - 1:58 am

Finally justice is being served. Been following this case for awhile, good to see the Judge making a fair call.

Reply
Vicky_G August 31, 2023 - 3:40 am

the women went through a nightmare, literally. Good to see they’re getting some sort of justice.

Reply
SarahJ August 31, 2023 - 4:32 am

Can’t believe he tried to hide information. If you’re innocent, just cooperate and clear your name.

Reply
CarlS August 31, 2023 - 5:20 am

This whole thing is a mess. The guy should’ve known better, given his legal background. Kinda sad to see this happening but it is what it is.

Reply
lisa_q August 31, 2023 - 11:18 am

i guess freedom of speech has its limits. saying anything without consequences is just wishful thinking.

Reply
Jane_M August 31, 2023 - 3:10 pm

Giuliani blaming his failure on seized devices? really? Excuses arent gonna help, you need to own up to your actions.

Reply
RickyT August 31, 2023 - 3:45 pm

So Giuliani has to pay over 130k in legal fees? Must be a drop in the bucket for him, specially if he’s selling his apartment for 6.5M!

Reply
Mike D August 31, 2023 - 7:09 pm

Whoa, Giuliani’s in hot water now huh? Didnt expect him to get caught up like this but the law is the law.

Reply

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