A federal jury in Washington has ordered former New York City mayor and attorney to former President Donald Trump, Rudolph W. Giuliani, to pay $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers. The workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss, who are Black, were defamed by Giuliani's baseless claims that they attempted to steal votes from Trump during the November 3, 2020 election. The jury awarded the damages after hearing hours of emotional testimony from Freeman and Moss, who described the relentless threats and attacks they received as a result of Giuliani's false accusations.

The damages awarded include $75 million in punitive damages, $16.2 million in compensatory damages to Freeman, $16.9 million in compensatory damages to Moss, and $20 million each for emotional suffering. However, before Moss can collect any money, Judge Beryl A. Howell of the Federal District Court in Washington must enter a judgment ordering the amount Giuliani is required to pay. In civil cases, the judge has the power to change the amount determined by the jury.

Giuliani, who is currently facing a range of legal and financial troubles, has stated that he will appeal the verdict. If the judge rules on the amount and Giuliani appeals, the money will not be paid immediately. Defense lawyers can prolong these cases, delaying payments for a substantial period of time. Moss could potentially ask the judge to make Giuliani post a bond to secure some of his assets while the appeal is pending, which would help ensure compensation.

The women can also request a special proceeding to explore ways to collect the judgment, such as garnishing Giuliani's wages. It is worth noting that Giuliani's net worth remains unknown as he refused to comply with the court's requirement to disclose financial documents. However, even in bankruptcy, Giuliani would still be liable for the damages owed to Moss, as they are considered an "intentional tort."

Giuliani is concurrently facing additional legal challenges. He is under indictment in Georgia, where a local prosecutor has brought racketeering charges against him, Trump, and others for their efforts to overturn the election results in the state. He is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, one of the largest voting machine vendors in the country, for spreading lies about the company. Furthermore, his former lawyer, Robert J. Costello, is suing him for $1.3 million in unpaid legal fees, and a former employee, Noelle Dunphy, has filed a lawsuit accusing Giuliani of harassment and assault.

Despite the legal and financial troubles Giuliani faces, bankruptcy would not erase his liability for the damages owed to Moss. If Giuliani were to pass away before Moss receives compensation, they could still collect compensatory and emotional damages from his estate.

This case against Giuliani is part of a larger trend of defamation lawsuits related to false claims about the 2020 election. Companies like Dominion Voting Systems have successfully sued media outlets like Fox News for promoting lies about their voting machines. Similarly, individuals are using defamation claims to hold people accountable for spreading disinformation about the election.

Freeman and Moss expressed their satisfaction with the jury's determination, but stated that no amount of money can fully restore their reputations or compensate for the abuse they endured. Giuliani, on the other hand, remained defiant, stating that he does not regret his actions and will appeal the verdict. The former mayor claimed that he is not responsible for the attacks and threats the women received, although he referred to them as “abominable” and "deplorable."

The trial shed light on the severe consequences of Giuliani's false allegations. Freeman and Moss testified about how their lives were upended, receiving numerous threatening phone calls, messages, and racist attacks. They were subjected to threats of hanging and lynching, and their homes were targeted. Moss's son also suffered from the harassment, with his education being negatively impacted. The ordeal originated with a single tweet from Giuliani suggesting that Freeman and Moss engaged in election fraud.

Giuliani did not testify during the trial, citing concerns about being held in contempt or being put in jail. Despite his legal troubles and the significant damages awarded, it is unclear how much money Giuliani possesses, as he refused to disclose his net worth. However, the damages owed to Moss are an intentional tort, meaning bankruptcy would not absolve him of liability.

The case against Giuliani serves as a reminder of the repercussions of spreading baseless lies and the potential legal consequences that can follow. While the legal process continues, Freeman and Moss hope that their ordeal will prevent others from experiencing similar attacks and defamation.