Rudy Giuliani Found in Contempt of Court for Continued Lies About Georgia Election Workers

Rudy Giuliani faced another legal setback as a federal judge found him in contempt of court for the second time in a week. The former New York City mayor was warned he could face jail time if he continues to spread falsehoods about two former Georgia election workers. These workers had previously won a USD 148 million defamation judgment against him.

US District Judge Beryl Howell, based in Washington, D.C., ruled that Giuliani violated court orders by continuing to defame Wandrea "Shaye" Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. The judge instructed Giuliani to review trial testimony and related materials, cautioning that further violations might lead to imprisonment. Moss and Freeman had sued Giuliani for defamation after he falsely accused them of election fraud during the 2020 election.

Giuliani's Legal Challenges

The lies spread by Giuliani disrupted the lives of Moss and Freeman, subjecting them to racist threats and harassment. During the hearing, Giuliani laughed as Judge Howell explained her decision to hold him in contempt. Howell, appointed by President Obama, described Giuliani's actions as "outrageous and shameful," criticising his claims of being treated unfairly.

Before the hearing, Giuliani criticised the judge on social media, calling her "bloodthirsty" and biased. After leaving the courtroom, he labelled the hearing a farce and accused the judge of bias. "I don't care what she did. She is a completely farcical judge," Giuliani stated outside the courtroom.

Defamation Case Developments

This contempt ruling adds to Giuliani's legal troubles, including criminal charges and the loss of his law licence in D.C. and New York due to false claims about Trump's 2020 election loss. During Friday's hearing, Giuliani briefly testified to authenticate records concerning his finances. Although not fined for recent defamatory remarks, he faces daily fines of USD 200 if he fails to certify compliance with reviewing case materials within 10 days.

A jury awarded Moss and Freeman USD 75 million in punitive damages and approximately USD 73 million in other damages in December 2023. The plaintiffs' lawyers stated that Giuliani began spreading lies about them in December 2020 and continued despite being informed that his conspiracy theory was baseless and dangerous.

Giuliani's Defence

Giuliani's attorneys argued there was no "clear and convincing" evidence that he violated a court order with comments made on November podcasts regarding alleged ballot counting irregularities in Georgia. They claimed Giuliani believed his remarks did not breach the judgment and should not result in contempt sanctions.

Earlier in New York, Judge Lewis Liman found Giuliani in contempt for failing to provide evidence related to whether he can retain a Palm Beach condominium. Giuliani testified that he withheld information due to concerns over broad or inappropriate requests from plaintiffs' lawyers.

Impact on Election Workers

Moss and Freeman testified about their fears after becoming targets of a false conspiracy theory promoted by Giuliani and other Republicans attempting to keep Trump in power post-2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Moss shared how she altered her appearance, rarely leaves home, and experiences panic attacks due to these events.

Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges in Arizona related to spreading false election fraud claims after the 2020 election. He also faces charges in Georgia alongside Trump and others accused of trying to overturn Trump's election loss there.

The future of the Georgia case remains uncertain after an appeals court ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis could not continue prosecuting it due to an "appearance of impropriety" linked to a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor she hired for the case.