Giuliani Resolves Defamation Lawsuit, Keeps Properties and Memorabilia
Ex-New York City mayor settles with Georgia election workers, retaining his assets and committing to stop making defamatory remarks.
Rudolph Giuliani, the ex-mayor of New York City and former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has settled a defamation suit with Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea 'Shaye' Moss.
The settlement allows Giuliani to keep his assets, including a Manhattan apartment, a Florida condo, and personal possessions like three World Series rings.
In return, Giuliani will provide unspecified compensation to Freeman and Moss and has agreed not to make any further defamatory statements about them.
Background of the Defamation Case
The lawsuit arose from Giuliani's baseless claims following the 2020 election, accusing Freeman and Moss of vote tampering in Georgia to favor Joe Biden.
These accusations were proven false but caused significant personal and professional difficulties for the election workers, including threats and harassment.
In December 2023, a jury awarded Freeman and Moss $148 million in damages, finding Giuliani liable for defamation.
Settlement Details
Facing the large judgment, Giuliani had already given up some assets, like a vintage Mercedes-Benz and luxury watches.
The recent settlement allows him to keep his remaining properties and memorabilia.
Though the financial compensation terms to Freeman and Moss are not public, the agreement includes a mutual non-disparagement clause, barring Giuliani from making future defamatory remarks about them.
Legal and Financial Implications
Giuliani’s financial troubles are well-known, with reports of his bankruptcy filing in late 2023. The settlement avoids a lengthy legal fight that could have led to losing more assets, including his Florida condo and valuable memorabilia.
Despite the settlement, Giuliani has not admitted any fault or liability.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
This settlement resolves one of several legal problems Giuliani is facing.
He has been disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Moreover, Giuliani was held in contempt for not following court orders related to the defamation case, complicating his legal situation further.
Reactions from Freeman and Moss
Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss have expressed relief at the settlement, seeing it as a step towards reclaiming their reputations and moving past the severe stress caused by the defamatory claims.
Their legal team has highlighted the importance of accountability in protecting election workers and the electoral process's integrity.