A federal judge on Monday held Rudy Giuliani in contempt for failing to turn over information to two former Georgia election workers he defamed after the 2020 presidential election, as they continue to try to collect $150 million in damages. The sanctions add to a pile of significant consequences the former New York mayor, US attorney, and Donald Trump attorney has faced in court in recent years.
Giuliani's Contempt of Court
It comes less than two weeks before a scheduled trial where Giuliani will fight to keep ownership of a $3.5 million Palm Beach, Florida, condo he says he lives in. He was accused of failing to respond to requests for information from election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss as they prepare for the trial. Judge Lewis Liman said Giuliani’s noncompliance was willful and accused him of “running the clock” to stall until the trial date.
Noncompliance and Excuses
The judge said he put very little weight on Giuliani’s “self-serving” testimony claiming any noncompliance was innocent. Giuliani had been delaying paying or handing over his valuables, including by entering into bankruptcy for several months, but began the process of turning over some of his assets to Moss and Freeman after Liman ordered him to do so in October. Though he turned over some of the items he owed, not all of the transfers are complete, leading to the contempt ruling.
Giuliani's Response and Criticism
Giuliani on his podcast Monday evening criticized the judge’s decision to hold him in contempt, claiming that he had already provided extensive discovery and that the court’s requests were burdensome. His spokesperson also attacked Freeman and Moss’ attorneys, emphasizing Giuliani’s public service record.
Legal Battle and Trial
More than four years ago, Giuliani defamed Moss and Freeman while working for Trump after the 2020 election. A jury decided a year ago that Giuliani's statements about Moss and Freeman were harmful, resulting in the $150 million damages. Moss and Freeman are also trying to have Giuliani held in contempt for failing to turn over assets as ordered.
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Rudy Giuliani, contempt, federal judge, Georgia election, defamation, damages
