What's Happening
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and lawyer for Donald Trump, will attend a second contempt hearing on Friday in Washington, D.C. The hearing is part of a defamation case filed by two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
Background
Giuliani was previously found liable in 2023 for defaming Freeman and Moss, who sued him over false claims he made while attempting to help Trump overturn the 2020 election results.
The defamation case centers on Giuliani’s baseless allegations that Freeman and Moss were involved in election fraud in Georgia.
A jury awarded the plaintiffs $148 million in damages, later reduced to $146 million by a judge. Giuliani is appealing the verdict.
The Contempt Issues
Asset disclosures: Earlier this week, a federal judge in New York found Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to provide required information about his assets. This was part of the enforcement process for the $146 million judgment.
Giuliani testified over two days, admitting he hadn't handed over key items, including a valuable New York Yankees jersey signed by Joe DiMaggio, which he claimed is "missing."
Defamatory statements: On Friday, Judge Beryl Howell will decide whether Giuliani violated a court-ordered agreement to stop defaming Freeman and Moss on his streaming show. Despite the agreement, Giuliani argued that his remarks were protected by the First Amendment.
What Giuliani Says
Giuliani maintains that his comments were not defamatory and asserts his constitutional right to discuss the case and his defense publicly.
Why It Matters?
The hearings are part of ongoing legal battles for Giuliani, whose financial and legal troubles have mounted since his involvement in Trump’s post-2020 election efforts. The outcome of these proceedings could further impact his ability to comply with the court’s judgments and his public reputation.
What’s Next?
Judge Howell's decision on financial sanctions for continued defamation is expected following Friday's hearing. Meanwhile, Giuliani’s appeal of the $146 million verdict remains unresolved.
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