In a significant development that underscores the ongoing consequences of 2020 election disinformation, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has been found in contempt of court for continuing to spread falsehoods about two Georgia election workers. This marks the second time this week a federal judge has held Giuliani in contempt, highlighting the mounting legal challenges facing the former Trump attorney.
Latest contempt ruling adds to Giuliani’s legal troubles
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C., issued the contempt ruling on Friday after determining Giuliani violated court orders that prohibited him from defaming Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. The judge ordered Giuliani to review trial testimony and other case materials, with the warning that future violations could result in jail time.
The ruling follows a December 2023 verdict where a jury awarded Moss and Freeman $148 million in their defamation lawsuit against Giuliani. The breakdown included $75 million in punitive damages and approximately $73 million in other damages.
Ongoing defamation despite court warnings
Despite the substantial judgment against him, Giuliani has persisted in making allegations about alleged ballot counting irregularities in Georgia. His attorneys argued that he acted “with the good faith belief that his comments did not violate” court orders, according to court documents.
Just before the contempt hearing, Giuliani, 80, took to social media to criticize Judge Howell, calling her “bloodthirsty” and describing the proceeding as a “hypocritical waste of time.”
Impact on election workers’ lives
The false conspiracy theories spread by Giuliani and other Republicans in the aftermath of the 2020 election had devastating consequences for Moss and Freeman. During trial testimony, Moss described attempting to change her appearance and rarely leaving home due to panic attacks. Freeman shared the lasting impact on her life, stating, “Money will never solve all my problems. I can never move back into the house that I call home. I will always have to be careful about where I go and who I choose to share my name with. I miss my home. I miss my neighbors, and I miss my name.”
Earlier this week, Giuliani was found in contempt by Judge Lewis Liman in New York for failing to provide evidence related to his ability to maintain ownership of a Palm Beach, Florida condominium. During that hearing, Giuliani claimed the evidence requests were overly broad and inappropriate.
