Rudy Giuliani, Once Trump's Trusty Attorney, Faces Trial and Assets Seizure
After the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Rudy Giuliani, then serving as Donald Trump's lawyer, played a significant role in fueling the chaos that ensued. As a prosecutor-turned-politician, Giuliani alleged election fraud, a claim that two election workers now stand to defend in court, seeking compensation for distress and potential damages amounting to $43 million.
Election Fraud Allegations and Defamation Trial
In Washington D.C., a defamation trial against Giuliani commenced, with a jury tasked with determining the compensation an elderly Rudy Giuliani must pay to two Georgia election workers. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell had previously ruled that Giuliani held liability for defaming Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Moss. The trial's focus now lies on the monetary settlement Giuliani is obliged to pay.
Following Donald Trump's election loss to Joe Biden in November 2020, Giuliani stood at the forefront of Trump's efforts to overturn the election results and subsequently remain in office. The once-respected New York mayor made numerous allegations of election fraud, which have repeatedly been debunked. He also targeted the two election workers from Fulton County — the jurisdiction encompassing Atlanta.
Post-Election Storm and Threats Against Moss
Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, an African-American woman, later testified before a congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. She alleged receiving "hateful" and "racist" threats of violence following false allegations of electoral fraud against her. "That turned my life upside down," Moss stated.
Giuliani's Legal Woes Expand
Giuliani's legal troubles aren't confined to the defamation trial. He was indicted along with Trump, also in Atlanta, for election tampering charges. Previously hailed as "America's Mayor" following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Giuliani has fallen from grace as a result of his association with controversial figures such as Trump and his role in bizarre post-election appearances spouting baseless electoral fraud claims.
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Following the verdict, a judge ordered Giuliani to surrender his valuable possessions, including his Manhattan penthouse apartment, various watches, sports memorabilia, a 1980 Mercedes previously owned by Lauren Bacall, and other jewelry to the control of the Georgia election workers he defamed.
Giuliani filed for bankruptcy mere days after the defamation verdict, listing nearly $153 million in current or potential debts. In addition, the former lawyer faces an investigation in Georgia for his attempts to influence the state's 2020 election results. Additionally, he has been suspended from practicing law in New York and the District of Columbia due to his "demonstrably false and misleading statements" regarding the 2020 election.
