Potential Financial Consequences Await Rudy Giuliani for Defamation towards Georgia Election Workers

Rudy Giuliani is currently on trial for defamation in a case brought against him by two poll workers from Georgia who worked in the 2020 election. Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea "Shaye" Moss claim that Giuliani spread false information suggesting that they tampered with votes, leading to threats of violence against them. A federal judge has already ruled that Giuliani is responsible for these defamatory statements, and this trial aims to determine the damages and penalties he will face. The two women are seeking up to $43 million in compensation. The trial began on Monday in Washington, with jury selection and opening statements from both sides. Moss testified on Tuesday about the repercussions of Giuliani's claims, stating that their lives turned upside down following the spread of lies about them. Giuliani, who served as Donald Trump's lawyer, played a significant role in the former president's attempts to overturn the election results and has been charged in a separate election interference case. In particular, Giuliani accused Freeman and Moss of tampering with votes at their polling location, using a video that actually depicted them exchanging a mint as evidence. Georgia election officials disproved Giuliani's accusations and confirmed President Biden's victory in the state. Nevertheless, the women faced threats that disrupted their lives. In the trial's opening statement, the plaintiffs' attorney played recordings of menacing messages received by Freeman and Moss to emphasize the impact of Giuliani's actions. The trial will determine the amount of damages Giuliani will owe the women, who are requesting a jury award between $15 million and $43 million. Giuliani admitted in July that he made defamatory statements about the women but argued that his comments about the election were protected as free speech and did not cause harm. His defense team claims that he cannot afford the damages being sought, as his legal expenses have already accumulated since the 2020 election. Despite this, Giuliani showed no remorse when speaking to reporters outside the court on Monday, stating that he did not regret his actions.