Deep Dive: Rudy Giuliani Ordered to Turn Over Assets to Defamed Georgia Election Workers

Listen below to this Deep Dive

Main Themes:

• Consequences for Election Subversion: Rudy Giuliani, former lawyer for Donald Trump, is facing significant financial and legal repercussions for spreading false claims about the 2020 election. This case serves as a stark example of the consequences faced by those who participated in Trump’s election subversion efforts.
• Defamation and its Impact: The case highlights the severe damage caused by defamation, particularly in the context of election integrity. Giuliani’s false accusations against Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss led to them suffering emotional distress, reputational harm, and threats to their safety.
• Accountability and Justice: The court’s decision emphasizes the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their political affiliations. This ruling delivers a measure of justice to Freeman and Moss, who were unjustly targeted by Giuliani’s lies.

Most Important Facts:

• A federal judge ordered Giuliani to surrender his assets to satisfy a $145 million defamation judgment awarded to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of manipulating ballots.
• Assets include his Manhattan apartment, a $2 million claim for legal fees against Trump and the RNC, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, a 1980 Mercedes formerly owned by Lauren Bacall, and numerous luxury watches.
• The ownership of three World Series rings claimed by Giuliani’s son and a condo in Palm Beach will be determined in separate hearings.
• Judge Liman noted the irony of Giuliani’s concern about the judgment potentially influencing the 2024 election, given his own role in spreading election lies.
• The case underscores the legal and professional fallout for those involved in perpetuating false election claims, including disbarment and financial settlements.

Key Quotes:

• Judge Lewis Liman: “The profound irony manifest in Defendant’s alleged concern is not lost on the Court. By his own admission, Defendant defamed Plaintiffs by perpetuating lies about them.”
• Giuliani, at a meeting with Georgia lawmakers: “[Freeman and Moss were] quite obviously, surreptitiously, passing around USB ports as if they’re vials of heroin or cocaine.” (This claim was later proven false, with Freeman and Moss testifying they were passing ginger mints.)

Overall:

This case serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of spreading misinformation and engaging in efforts to undermine democratic processes. It also highlights the ongoing legal and professional repercussions faced by individuals involved in such activities. The court’s decision to order Giuliani to turn over his assets represents a significant step towards holding him accountable for his actions and providing a measure of justice for Freeman and Moss.