Rudy Giuliani Settles $148 Million Defamation Case with Georgia Election Workers

In a significant development in a high-profile legal saga, Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, has fully satisfied a $148 million defamation judgment owed to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The resolution, confirmed by a federal court filing on February 25, 2025, marks the end of a contentious legal battle that began after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. This case has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for election integrity and the consequences of spreading false information.

The Defamation Lawsuit

The legal dispute stems from false claims made by Giuliani following the 2020 election, where he accused Freeman and Moss of engaging in election fraud while working as poll workers in Fulton County, Georgia. Giuliani, a prominent figure in Trump’s efforts to challenge the election results, falsely alleged that the mother-daughter duo had tampered with ballots, including claims that they were “passing around USB ports as if they’re vials of heroin or cocaine.” These accusations were debunked by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, which found them to be “false and unsubstantiated” after a thorough investigation.

The fallout from Giuliani’s statements was severe for Freeman and Moss. The two women testified that they faced a barrage of racist death threats and harassment from Trump supporters, forcing them to leave their jobs and live in fear for their safety. In response, Freeman and Moss filed a defamation lawsuit against Giuliani to clear their names and seek accountability for the harm caused. In December 2023, a jury awarded them $148 million in damages after a four-day trial, a figure later slightly reduced to $146 million by a judge.

The Settlement Agreement

In January 2025, Giuliani reached a settlement with Freeman and Moss, averting a trial that would have determined whether he needed to surrender valuable assets, including his Florida condominium, Manhattan apartment, luxury watches, a Mercedes-Benz once owned by Lauren Bacall, and New York Yankees World Series rings. The settlement allowed Giuliani to retain these possessions in exchange for an undisclosed payment and a promise not to defame the women again. According to court documents, Giuliani has now “fully satisfied” the $148 million judgment, bringing closure to the case.

The details of the compensation remain undisclosed, but the agreement was described as a “mystery deal” in court filings. Reports suggest that a fundraising effort following a post by then President-elect Trump on Truth Social, urging supporters to “SAVE RUDY!!!”, raised $169,000 for Giuliani’s defense fund. However, this amount was far short of the judgment, raising questions about how Giuliani, who declared bankruptcy in 2023 after the initial verdict, managed to fulfill the obligation.

Legal and Personal Toll

The defamation case is just one chapter in Giuliani’s broader legal troubles. Since leading Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Giuliani has faced multiple lawsuits, including defamation cases from voting machine companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic, as well as criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to election interference. His law license has also been revoked, and he faced two contempt of court rulings in early January 2025 for continuing to defame Freeman and Moss on his podcast, “America’s Mayor Live,” and for failing to comply with court orders to turn over assets.

For Freeman and Moss, the settlement represents a major milestone. In a joint statement, they expressed relief, stating, “We have fought to clear our names, restore our reputations, and prove that we did nothing wrong. Today is a major milestone in our journey. We have reached an agreement and we can now move forward with our lives.” The women emphasized that the settlement included Giuliani’s commitment to refrain from making further defamatory statements about them.

Broader Implications

The case highlights the real-world consequences of misinformation, particularly in the context of elections. The false claims made by Giuliani not only harmed Freeman and Moss but also contributed to a broader climate of distrust in the electoral process. The significant financial penalty underscores the legal system’s role in holding individuals accountable for spreading falsehoods that cause harm. Legal experts note that the size of the judgment sends a strong message about the repercussions of defamation, especially when it targets private citizens like election workers who are simply doing their jobs.

Giuliani, in a statement posted on social media, acknowledged the toll the litigation took on all parties, saying, “No one deserves to be subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation. This litigation has taken its toll on all parties. This whole episode was unfortunate.” He also clarified that the settlement does not include an admission of liability or wrongdoing, a point echoed by his legal team.

What’s Next?

While the defamation case with Freeman and Moss is resolved, Giuliani’s legal challenges are far from over. He continues to face criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona, and the outcome of those cases could further impact his financial and personal standing. For Freeman and Moss, the settlement offers a chance to move forward, though the emotional and psychological scars from the ordeal may linger. Their attorneys, who worked pro bono, have been praised for their dedication to securing justice for their clients.

This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting election workers, who have faced increasing threats in recent years. As the U.S. prepares for future elections, ensuring the safety and integrity of those who administer the process remains a critical priority. The resolution of this case may provide a sense of closure for Freeman and Moss, but it also underscores the ongoing need to combat misinformation and its devastating effects.

For more details on the settlement, you can read the full court filing on Reuters or check out additional coverage on BBC News. To learn more about the broader context of election-related defamation cases, visit PBS News.

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