Credited from: SCMP
Rudy Giuliani has settled with two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, in a legal agreement that allows him to retain his properties in Florida and New York. The settlement concluded extensive litigation stemming from a $148 million defamation judgment related to false accusations regarding the 2020 presidential election. The agreement not only enables Giuliani to maintain ownership of significant assets, such as his Palm Beach condominium and a New York City apartment, but also requires him to cease any further defamation against the plaintiffs.
This development emerged just before a scheduled trial that Giuliani was set to attend, illustrating a dramatic turn in a legal saga that began when Freeman and Moss claimed that Giuliani's false statements led to numerous threats against their lives. In their statement, the election workers expressed, “The past four years have been a living nightmare. Today is a major milestone in our journey, and we can now move forward with our lives.” They refrained from reporting the specific amount of compensation received.
Giuliani, in his social media statements, emphasized that the resolution of this case does not imply an admission of wrongdoing. He noted, "No one deserves to be subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation. This litigation has taken its toll on all parties. This whole episode was unfortunate.” The former mayor faced further complications as he had already been held in contempt multiple times for failing to comply with court orders and continuing to spread defamatory comments about the election workers. He had previously been ordered to surrender several of his valuable possessions—including a Mercedes Benz and luxury watches—to settle his debt to the women.
While the specifics of this latest settlement remain largely undisclosed, this resolution means that Freeman and Moss will not have to pursue their judgment claims through trial, effectively bringing a close to their long-standing battle against Giuliani. The legal troubles have marked a significant downfall from Giuliani's former status as a prominent public figure known for leading the response to the September 11 attacks in New York City.
This case illustrates the ongoing struggles faced by individuals who have been targeted by political figures, highlighting the ramifications of false claims and the critical need for accountability in public discourse. As Giuliani continues to navigate his legal challenges, including ongoing criminal charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Freeman and Moss can finally begin to heal from their traumatic experiences.
For further insights into this unfolding situation, refer to the original articles from BBC, HuffPost, and The Hill.