In a significant blow to former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, a federal jury has ordered him to pay over $148 million to two Georgia election workers for making false claims of ballot fraud during the 2020 presidential election. The staggering amount includes $75 million in punitive damages, $20 million each for emotional distress, and over $16 million each for defamation. This verdict marks another legal setback for Giuliani, who served as the top campaign lawyer for former President Donald Trump in his efforts to overturn the election results. In this article, we will delve into the details of the case, the implications of the verdict, and Giuliani’s response.

The plaintiffs in the case, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a mother and daughter, sued Giuliani in 2021 for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy. They accused Giuliani of making false statements about them and claiming that they were involved in a scheme to commit voter fraud. Giuliani had alleged that Freeman and Moss passed USB flash drives, likening them to “vials of heroin or cocaine,” as part of a larger plot to defraud Trump of an election victory.

This recent civil verdict is just one of many legal setbacks Giuliani has faced in connection with his efforts to overturn the election results. In the summer of 2022, Giuliani, Trump, and 17 other defendants were indicted on state criminal charges in Georgia. These charges stem from their attempts to reverse Trump’s defeat in the state. Additionally, in August, Judge Beryl Howell issued a default judgment against Giuliani in favor of Freeman and Moss because he repeatedly failed to comply with court orders to turn over evidence. Giuliani had already conceded that, for the purposes of the lawsuit, he had made false statements about the two women.

Giuliani’s response to the $148 million damages figure was one of disbelief and vowing to appeal. He called the amount “absurd” and expressed his intention to fight the verdict. However, with the mounting legal challenges and significant financial burden, this verdict could have severe consequences for Giuliani’s reputation and finances.

The jury’s decision to award $20 million each to Freeman and Moss for emotional distress reflects the significant impact Giuliani’s false claims had on their lives. Freeman testified during the trial that they received non-stop threats and that she had to leave her home for two months at the recommendation of the FBI. The emotional toll of being falsely accused of participating in a fraudulent scheme was undeniable.

Furthermore, the jury awarded more than $16 million each for defamation, recognizing the harm caused by Giuliani’s false statements to Freeman and Moss’s reputation. These damages not only compensate for the damage already done but also serve as a deterrent against future defamatory actions.

Giuliani’s defense strategy took a surprising turn when his lawyer announced that he would not testify in the case, contradicting earlier plans. This decision came after Giuliani’s repeated failure to comply with court orders to produce evidence. Perhaps Giuliani’s legal team believed that his testimony would not be beneficial to his defense or that it would further damage his credibility.

During the trial, a social media expert testified about the impact of Giuliani’s false claims on Freeman and Moss’s reputations. The expert estimated that it would cost the women between $17 million and nearly $48 million to repair the damage to their reputations caused by the lies. This testimony further underscored the significant harm inflicted upon the plaintiffs by Giuliani’s false allegations.

The verdict in this case could have broader implications for defamation lawsuits against public figures. It demonstrates that making false claims with significant consequences can result in substantial financial penalties. This outcome may encourage individuals who have been harmed by defamatory statements to seek legal recourse and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.