Giuliani Slapped with $148 Million Fine to Compensate Election Workers

Former Georgia election workers, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, have been awarded $148 million in damages by a jury in their defamation case against Rudy Giuliani. The lawsuit stems from lies spread by Giuliani in 2020, which resulted in racist threats and harassment against the women.

During the trial, Moss and Freeman emotionally testified about the false conspiracy theory propagated by Giuliani and other Republicans in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results. The jury’s verdict included a $75 million punitive damages award for the women, with an additional $36 million each in other damages.

Giuliani, who had already been found liable in the case and admitted to falsely accusing the women of ballot fraud, showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He plans to appeal the decision, claiming that the “absurdity of the number merely underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding.”

Giuliani’s lawyer acknowledged his client’s wrongdoing but argued that he was not solely responsible for the harassment faced by the women. The defense attempted to shift blame onto a right-wing website that published surveillance video of the women counting ballots.

This judgment adds to Giuliani’s growing legal and financial troubles, as he faces lawsuits and investigations related to his representation of former President Donald Trump. His lawyer expressed concern that the defamation case could financially ruin Giuliani.

In addition to this case, Giuliani is also facing criminal charges in Georgia for allegedly working to subvert the results of the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty and characterized the case as politically motivated.

Jurors in the defamation case heard recordings of Giuliani falsely accusing the election workers of various fraudulent activities. The women’s lawyers also presented audio recordings of the racist threats they received. Moss and Freeman described fearing for their lives and the negative impact on their mental health.

The defense asked the jury to compensate the women for what they were owed but also emphasized Giuliani’s reputation. However, the women’s attorney highlighted Giuliani’s continued repetition of the false conspiracy theory, indicating that he would likely continue his defamatory actions.

The judge presiding over the case had already ordered Giuliani and his business entities to pay attorneys’ fees. The judge found that Giuliani had only given “lip service” to his legal obligations while attempting to portray himself as the victim.

This verdict serves as a significant blow to Giuliani and further exposes him to legal and financial difficulties.