In a dramatic escalation of legal challenges facing Rudy Giuliani, a federal judge held the former New York City mayor in civil contempt on Friday for defying a court order prohibiting him from making false claims about two Georgia election workers. The ruling marks the second contempt finding against Giuliani in under a week.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell granted the motion from Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who were defamed by Giuliani's repeated, debunked assertions that they engaged in election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Despite a prior agreement to cease making such claims, Giuliani allegedly violated the terms in multiple broadcasts of his nightly show.
A Pattern of Defiance
The judge outlined at least six separate violations, calling Giuliani’s continued accusations the "worst kind of defamation." Addressing Giuliani directly, Howell remarked, "This takes real chutzpah, Mr. Giuliani," underscoring her exasperation with his behavior.
Giuliani, who sat at the defense table shaking his head and muttering inaudibly, did not seem persuaded by the court’s findings. His attorney, Eden Quainton, attempted to argue that Giuliani’s remarks were not clearly referencing Freeman and Moss, but Howell dismissed the assertion.
“It’s impossible to believe these comments are about anyone other than our clients,” said attorney Michael Gottlieb, representing Freeman and Moss.
Strict Compliance Mandated
The court has given Giuliani 10 days to submit a sworn affidavit confirming he has reviewed the case record and a Georgia report that refutes allegations against Freeman and Moss. He must also formally acknowledge that his statements contradict those findings and admit he had full opportunity to defend himself in court.
If he fails to comply, Giuliani will face fines of $200 per day, escalating to possible jail time after 30 days if violations persist.
Legal and Financial Pressures Mount
Friday’s ruling comes amid broader legal troubles for Giuliani. He has already been ordered to pay Freeman and Moss $146 million in damages. Efforts to collect the judgment have led to the seizure of personal assets, including his Mercedes-Benz, watches, and New York apartment. The election workers contend Giuliani is stalling the surrender of additional nonexempt assets, including a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey.
During Friday’s hearing, Giuliani defended the delays, attributing them to ongoing legal battles and complications from a breakup with his former legal team.
Potential Severe Sanctions Loom
Judge Howell indicated that harsher penalties might be necessary to ensure compliance, suggesting possible jail time if Giuliani continues to violate the court order. The judge expressed frustration that Giuliani’s public platform enabled him to spread "fabricated lies," tarnishing Freeman and Moss's reputations.
“I really hoped we were done,” Howell lamented, emphasizing her desire to bring closure to the prolonged legal saga.
Giuliani’s Defense and Public Reaction
Ted Goodman, Giuliani's spokesperson, decried the contempt ruling as a politically motivated effort to suppress the former mayor’s free speech. He criticized the proceedings, claiming Giuliani had been denied a fair opportunity to defend himself.
Goodman also condemned Howell for allegedly "forcing Mayor Giuliani to wait around for hours" during a hearing for which she had already "made her decision."
What’s Next?
The legal battle is far from over. Giuliani must work with Freeman and Moss’s lawyers to calculate and pay the cost of the contempt proceeding. In Manhattan, a separate federal judge is deliberating sanctions related to Giuliani’s noncompliance with asset collection orders.
