Federal Judge to Hear Contempt Case Against Rudy Giuliani Over Election Fraud Claims
A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on Friday regarding the potential contempt of court charge against Rudy Giuliani for allegedly continuing to spread falsehoods about two Georgia election workers. This follows a significant defamation judgment of $148 million awarded to the plaintiffs.
Attorneys representing Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, have requested U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell to impose civil contempt sanctions against Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and attorney for Donald Trump. They argue that he has persistently made unfounded accusations of election fraud against them in connection with the 2020 election.
Moss and Freeman’s lawsuit claimed that Giuliani’s falsehoods destroyed their lives through racist threats and harassment. A jury ruled in their favor in December 2023, awarding them a total of $148 million, which includes $75 million in punitive damages.
The plaintiffs’ legal team stated, “Mr. Giuliani commenced his false narrative in December 2020 and has ignored repeated warnings that his claims are groundless, harmful, and reckless.”
Giuliani’s defense contends that the plaintiffs have not demonstrated “clear and convincing” evidence of a violation of any court order, claiming that his comments made during November podcasts regarding ballot counting irregularities do not constitute a breach.
His lawyers maintained, “Giuliani acted with the honest belief that his statements did not breach the judgment and thus should not face contempt penalties.”
If Judge Howell decides to find Giuliani in contempt, he would be facing a second contempt ruling this week, as Judge Lewis Liman in New York identified him as in contempt for failing to provide evidence related to his Florida condominium.
Giuliani, 80, indicated he will attend the court session despite expressing health and safety concerns related to travel, citing ongoing death threats. He stated, “I had hoped the Court would take my situation into consideration, but it appears I was mistaken.”
During previous court appearances, Moss and Freeman recounted the threats to their safety stemming from Giuliani’s dangerous conspiracy theories aimed at undermining the 2020 election results. Moss detailed her drastic changes to lifestyle, including altering her appearance and remaining largely homebound due to panic attacks.
Freeman echoed the emotional toll, stating, “Money cannot resolve all my issues. I cannot return to the home I once cherished and must remain vigilant about my safety and identity.”
