Judge Finds Rudy Giuliani in Civil Contempt in Case Brought by Georgia Election Workers.
A U.S. judge ruled Monday that Rudy Giuliani is in civil contempt of court for failing to comply with court orders in a defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of helping to steal the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan issued the contempt finding after Giuliani failed to provide requested information about his assets. This information could determine which of his possessions might be used to pay a substantial defamation judgment awarded to Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Moss.
“The fact that he is a busy person who in the past relied on others is not an excuse for noncompliance,” Judge Liman said.
The case marks another fall from grace for Giuliani, once celebrated as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accused Giuliani of defaming Freeman and Moss by falsely claiming they participated in election fraud. Giuliani repeatedly asserted that surveillance footage showed the two workers at an Atlanta basketball arena handling illegal ballots—claims that were widely debunked.
In 2023, Giuliani admitted he made false and defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss. In August, a judge found him liable for defamation as a sanction for failing to produce key electronic records. A Washington, D.C., jury later awarded Freeman and Moss $73 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages.
On Monday, Judge Liman indicated he had not yet decided on Giuliani’s punishment for contempt but highlighted Giuliani’s failure to answer questions about a condominium he owns in Palm Beach, Florida. The judge suggested that Giuliani’s lack of response might be taken as unfavorable during an upcoming trial set for January 16, which will determine whether the property could be seized.
Freeman and Moss have also sought to claim other assets from Giuliani, including his Manhattan apartment, the title to a 1980 Mercedes, and sports memorabilia. The court has not yet ruled on those requests.
Giuliani, 80, argued that his daily life has been disrupted by the ongoing legal battle, making it difficult to comply with court orders. He denied willfully ignoring any rulings.
His attorney, Joseph Cammarata, defended Giuliani’s efforts, stating, “There has been substantial compliance. There is no defiance to the court.”
The contempt finding adds to Giuliani’s mounting legal troubles, which include disbarment for his false election claims and criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
