WASHINGTON, United States — Former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani continues to face escalating legal troubles, as a U.S. federal judge found him in contempt of court for a second time in one week. This time, the ruling was issued by District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, stemming from Giuliani’s ongoing defamatory statements against two Georgia election workers.
The embattled former prosecutor and personal attorney to Donald Trump has been under scrutiny for repeatedly accusing Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. These claims were proven false, with a federal jury awarding Freeman and Moss nearly $148 million in December 2023 for defamation, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
At Friday’s hearing, Judge Howell admonished Giuliani for his continued remarks, warning of potential fines or further penalties if he does not comply with the court’s orders. Giuliani lashed out at the judge after the ruling, accusing her of bias and claiming, “She’s the one who should be held in contempt.”
This recent contempt finding adds to a similar ruling earlier in the week by a New York district judge. That decision centered on Giuliani’s failure to disclose assets that could be used to satisfy the damages owed to Freeman and Moss. Among the items Giuliani is being compelled to forfeit are his $6 million Manhattan apartment, a vintage Mercedes Benz, and memorabilia including a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey.
Legal and Financial Collapse
Once celebrated for his leadership as mayor of New York during the 9/11 attacks, Giuliani’s reputation has been tarnished by his involvement in Trump’s baseless election fraud claims. Disbarred as an attorney and facing financial ruin, Giuliani has filed for bankruptcy while continuing to deny any wrongdoing.
Freeman and Moss, who are both Black, described harrowing experiences of targeted harassment and threats after Giuliani’s false allegations. Giuliani had shared a video of the women counting ballots in Georgia, falsely claiming they exchanged a USB drive “like vials of heroin or cocaine” to manipulate votes. The “USB drive” was later revealed to be a mint.
The jury’s substantial damages award underscores the gravity of the harm caused by Giuliani’s actions. “This case is not just about financial compensation,” Freeman said after the verdict. “It’s about restoring our dignity and ensuring accountability.”
Broader Implications
Giuliani’s ongoing legal troubles symbolize a broader reckoning for those who played pivotal roles in efforts to undermine trust in the democratic process. Legal experts suggest these cases could set a precedent for how courts handle public figures who weaponize misinformation.
As Giuliani faces mounting consequences, the fallout from his actions continues to reverberate through the political and legal landscape, serving as a stark warning of the high costs of disinformation.
