Giuliani is at risk of being held in contempt

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A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on Friday regarding whether Rudy Giuliani should be held in contempt of court for allegedly continuing to disseminate falsehoods about two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, after they won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The plaintiffs’ attorneys have requested that U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell impose civil contempt sanctions, asserting that Giuliani has persisted in making unfounded accusations of election fraud against them related to the 2020 election.

Freeman and Moss filed their lawsuit against Giuliani, claiming that his defamatory statements led to severe harassment and threats against them. A jury ruled in their favor in December 2023, awarding them $75 million in punitive damages alongside approximately $73 million for other damages. The plaintiffs’ lawyers emphasized that Giuliani has continued to propagate false narratives despite being informed that his claims were baseless and harmful.

Giuliani’s legal team contends that the plaintiffs have not provided “clear and convincing” evidence of any violation of court orders, arguing that he believed his comments made during November podcasts did not breach the judgment.

 If Judge Howell finds him in contempt, it would mark the second time this week a federal judge has done so; Judge Lewis Liman previously held Giuliani in contempt for failing to comply with evidence requests related to the same case.

At 80 years old, Giuliani expressed concerns about attending the hearing due to health and safety issues stemming from death threats he has received. He indicated in court filings that he had hoped for accommodations regarding his travel needs but felt misunderstood by the court.

In their testimonies, Freeman and Moss described the profound impact of Giuliani’s false claims on their lives, including fear for their safety and significant emotional distress.