Rudy Giuliani has satisfied a $148 million judgment stemming from his defamation of Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. A federal jury ruled in December 2023 that Giuliani falsely accused the pair of tampering with 2020 presidential ballots, causing irreparable harm to their reputations.
The settlement, dismissed in court Monday after full payment verification, concludes a contentious legal battle. Giuliani faced two contempt charges earlier this year for delaying asset transfers and continuing public attacks. Court records reveal he retained his Florida condo and sentimental possessions like his father’s World Series rings under negotiated terms.
They can take possessions, but never his public service legacy,stated Giuliani’s spokesperson Ted Goodman.
Key aspects of the resolution include:
- A binding pledge to cease defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss
- No admission of guilt from Giuliani
- Asset liquidation to meet the historic penalty amount
This case compounds Giuliani’s legal troubles following his disbarment in New York and Washington D.C. for election interference efforts. Legal analysts suggest the settlement prevents further financial hemorrhaging but underscores lasting professional consequences for the former Trump attorney.
With voting rights advocates calling this a watershed moment for accountability, the ruling sets precedent for high-stakes defamation claims in politically charged environments. Freeman and Moss continue advocating for election worker protections nationwide.