Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani's legal troubles deepen as he confronts mounting court decisions regarding his statements about two Georgia election workers.
According to the New York Post, Washington, DC, federal Judge Beryl Howell has found Giuliani in contempt of court for continuing to defame Georgia election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman despite previous court orders prohibiting such statements.
The ruling marks the second contempt finding against Giuliani this week, following a similar decision by Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Liman on Monday. Both decisions stem from Giuliani's handling of the $148 million defamation verdict awarded to Moss and Freeman in 2023, with judges criticizing his apparent attempts to evade payment and continued defamatory statements.
During the court proceedings, Judge Howell expressed particular concern about Giuliani's use of his public platform to spread what she termed "fabricated lies" about the election workers. The judge directly addressed Giuliani's prominence, noting his significant public following and influence. Michael Gottlieb, representing Moss and Freeman, requested substantial financial penalties, suggesting $20,000 fines for each instance of continued defamation.
Giuliani's defense team, led by attorney Eden Quainton, argued against the proposed fine structure, claiming it would be excessive. The former mayor testified about his financial assets, including approximately $163,000 in a 401k account and additional IRA accounts totaling $1.2 million, which he maintains should be exempt from seizure.
The contempt finding specifically addressed Giuliani's November statements on a streaming show, where he repeated claims about election fraud involving the two women. His attorney's defense that Giuliani genuinely believed his statements alarmed Judge Howell, who viewed it as an indication he might never cease making such claims.
The latest contempt ruling adds to Giuliani's growing legal challenges, particularly concerning the substantial defamation verdict. His political advisor, Ted Goodman, defended Giuliani's position, arguing that the contempt ruling infringed on his constitutional rights.
Judge Howell responded to Giuliani's testimony with evident frustration, as quoted: "Because he was good for a few months, we ought to excuse any bad behavior after that?"
A separate contempt ruling by the Manhattan federal court addressed Rudy Giuliani's failure to comply with deadlines and provide important details about his Florida home and his Yankees World Series rings, which could potentially be used to settle his debt to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.
Judge Liman noted that Giuliani's testimony was self-serving and emphasized that he had willfully disobeyed a clear and specific court order.
Giuliani's current predicament represents a significant fall from his former status as "America's Mayor" and trusted legal advisor to President-elect Donald Trump. His repeated violations of court orders and continuing defamatory statements have resulted in escalating legal consequences.
The courts' responses reflect growing impatience with Giuliani's behavior, particularly his apparent strategy to avoid paying the substantial defamation verdict. The situation has evolved from a single defamation case into multiple contempt findings across different jurisdictions.
Rudy Giuliani, once celebrated as "America's Mayor," now faces multiple contempt of court rulings for his persistent defamation of Georgia election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman. The latest ruling from Judge Beryl Howell comes as courts attempt to enforce the $148 million defamation verdict awarded to the election workers in 2023. Despite clear court orders to cease his defamatory statements and comply with financial disclosure requirements, Giuliani continues to face legal consequences for his actions, with potential financial penalties and asset seizures looming.
