Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as "America's Mayor" following the September 11 attacks, is now facing some intense legal issues. As the former attorney for ex-President Donald Trump, Giuliani has been ordered to pay over 148 million dollars in defamation damages to two Georgia election workers, Wandrea "Shaye" Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman.
The defamation suit stemmed from statements made by Giuliani in 2020, claiming that the women had committed election fraud while counting ballots during the presidential election. These accusations were widely shared by Giuliani and other Republicans, including Trump.
The damaging consequences of spreading these false claims eventually led to a barrage of threatening and harassing messages, causing significant emotional distress and financial losses for Moss and Freeman. A jury found Giuliani liable for defamation in August of 2023, and as a result, they were awarded nearly $150 million in damages.
Facing such a massive financial burden, Giuliani filed for bankruptcy, listing nearly $153 million in existing or potential debts. In an effort to protect his assets, a judge ordered Giuliani to turn over all his valuable possessions, including his Manhattan penthouse apartment, a collection of high-end watches, sports memorabilia, and other expensive belongings.
Giuliani isn't just dealing with the financial fallout, though. He also faces criminal indictment in Atlanta along with Trump on charges of vote rigging, related to his role in promoting unfounded allegations of electoral fraud to try and overturn the election outcome in November 2020.
These recent events signify a significant shift in Giuliani's reputation and status in the legal system, serving as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions of spreading false information and the impact it can have on individuals' lives.