Judge Holds Rudy Giuliani in Contempt for Continuing Defamation of Election Workers

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has held Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for continuing to make false and defamatory statements about two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The ruling comes after a $148 million defamation judgment was awarded to the election workers in 2023. Despite the court’s previous order barring such remarks, Giuliani persisted in spreading baseless claims on his web show, leading to this latest legal rebuke.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell delivered a scathing verdict on Friday, criticizing Giuliani’s disregard for the court’s authority. Howell questioned Giuliani’s refusal to cease defamation, asking, “$148 million wasn’t a sufficient incentive to stop the defamation?” She ordered him to file a declaration within a set deadline acknowledging that evidence and testimony from the defamation trial contradicted his claims. Giuliani faces a $200 daily fine for failing to comply and could face imprisonment for further violations.

“It is outrageous and shameful,” Howell said during her ruling. “This takes real chutzpah, Mr. Giuliani.”

This contempt ruling follows another issued last week by a federal judge in New York, who found Giuliani in contempt for failing to turn over personal property and financial information to Freeman and Moss. The two election workers have faced threats and harassment since Giuliani accused them of election fraud during the 2020 presidential race.

During Friday’s hearing, Giuliani appeared briefly to address financial documents related to his bankruptcy proceedings. He argued that his frozen accounts, including one tied to a Palm Beach property valued at $3.5 million, are exempt from creditor claims. “Illegally, you have tied up everything I have,” Giuliani said.

Michael Gottlieb, an attorney representing Freeman and Moss, challenged Giuliani over significant payments he made in November, the same month he continued making defamatory statements. Gottlieb argued these payments, including tens of thousands of dollars for taxes and utilities, should be used to satisfy the judgment. “The main thing the plaintiffs want is for Giuliani to stop defaming them,” Gottlieb said.

Judge Howell expressed concern about Giuliani’s continued defiance, warning that harsher penalties might be necessary. “I am very concerned, based on the statements made today, that Mr. Giuliani may not be persuaded from making statements without more severe sanctions,” Howell said.

Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, released a statement claiming the court’s rulings were biased. “The public should know that Mayor Rudy Giuliani never had the opportunity to defend himself on the facts in the defamation case,” Goodman said. “This contempt ruling is designed to prevent Mayor Giuliani from exercising his constitutional rights.”

Legal experts view the case as a pivotal moment in addressing the consequences of spreading disinformation. Freeman and Moss, once ordinary election workers, have become symbols of the broader fight against baseless accusations and their harmful impacts on individuals and democratic institutions.

With daily fines accumulating and the threat of imprisonment looming, Giuliani’s legal troubles continue to escalate. For Freeman and Moss, the case represents a significant effort to seek justice and hold those responsible for spreading falsehoods accountable. As the judiciary seeks to enforce its rulings, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of truth and accountability in public discourse.