Rudy Giuliani Settles $148 Million Defamation Case with Georgia Election Workers

Fresh York, NY — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has reached a settlement in the high-profile defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The agreement, finalized in early 2025, resolves a legal battle that stemmed from Giuliani’s false claims of election fraud following the 2020 presidential election.

The Defamation Case: A Timeline of Events

The legal saga began in December 2020, when Giuliani, then serving as a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, publicly accused Freeman and Moss of engaging in election fraud whereas working as poll workers in Fulton County, Georgia. Giuliani’s claims, which included baseless allegations of ballot tampering, were widely disseminated in media appearances and on social platforms.

In August 2023, a federal judge ruled that Giuliani had defamed the two women, paving the way for a jury trial. By December 2023, a jury awarded Freeman and Moss $148 million in damages—a figure later reduced to $146 million by the court. The judgment included additional interest and attorneys’ fees, bringing the total owed to nearly $150 million.

Giuliani’s Legal Troubles Escalate

Despite the court’s ruling, Giuliani faced repeated challenges in complying with orders to turn over assets to satisfy the judgment. In November 2024, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman criticized Giuliani’s explanations for failing to disclose his assets as “farcical.” By January 2025, Judge Liman held Giuliani in contempt of court for non-compliance, a decision that underscored the severity of his legal predicament.

Around the same time, another federal judge, Beryl Howell, held Giuliani in contempt for violating a court order that barred him from making further defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss. During a hearing, Judge Howell admonished Giuliani for continuing to spread false claims on his web show, stating, “$148 million wasn’t a sufficient incentive to stop the defamation?” She imposed a daily fine of $200 for each day Giuliani failed to submit a required declaration acknowledging the evidence from the trial.

The Settlement Agreement

On January 16, 2025, Giuliani’s legal team announced a tentative settlement with Freeman and Moss. The agreement allowed Giuliani to retain his New York and Florida homes, as well as his personal belongings, including luxury watches, a Mercedes-Benz, and a Joe DiMaggio autographed baseball jersey. In exchange, Giuliani agreed to provide financial compensation and committed to refraining from any future defamatory statements about the plaintiffs.

“Today is a major milestone in our journey. We have reached an agreement and can now move forward with our lives. The past four years have been a living nightmare, but we are relieved to place this behind us.”

— Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, in a joint statement

Giuliani, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), framed the settlement as a resolution that did not involve an “admission of liability or wrongdoing.” He added, “No one deserves to be subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation. This whole episode was unfortunate. I and the Plaintiffs have agreed not to ever talk about each other in any defamatory manner, and I urge others to do the same.”

Neither party disclosed the specific financial terms of the settlement, but a federal court filing on February 24, 2025, confirmed that Giuliani had “fully satisfied” the judgment against him.

The Impact on Election Workers

For Freeman and Moss, the defamation case was more than a legal battle—it was a fight to reclaim their lives. The false accusations led to a wave of harassment, including death threats, which forced them into hiding. Moss, a former election worker with a decade of experience, testified during the trial about the personal toll the ordeal took on her and her family.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of election worker safety, particularly in the wake of the 2020 election. Organizations like the Brennan Center for Justice have highlighted the increasing threats faced by election officials across the country, many of which stem from baseless claims of fraud.

What’s Next for Giuliani?

While the settlement resolves the defamation case, Giuliani continues to face legal challenges on multiple fronts. In addition to the election-related lawsuits, he remains entangled in ongoing investigations and criminal cases, including those related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

For Freeman and Moss, the settlement offers a chance to move forward. In their statement, they expressed hope that the agreement would bring closure to a painful chapter in their lives. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received and remain committed to ensuring that no election worker has to endure what we went through,” they said.

Key Takeaways

• Defamation Verdict: A jury awarded Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss $148 million in damages in December 2023, later reduced to $146 million.
• Contempt of Court: Giuliani was held in contempt twice in early 2025 for failing to comply with court orders and continuing to make defamatory statements.
• Settlement Terms: The January 2025 settlement allowed Giuliani to retain his homes and personal belongings in exchange for financial compensation and a promise to refrain from future defamation.
• Broader Implications: The case has highlighted the dangers faced by election workers amid a rise in threats and harassment following the 2020 election.

FAQ

What were the false claims made against Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss?

Giuliani accused Freeman and Moss of engaging in election fraud, including baseless allegations that they tampered with ballots during the 2020 presidential election in Fulton County, Georgia. These claims were later proven false in court.

Why was the original $148 million judgment reduced?

The jury initially awarded $148 million in damages, but the figure was reduced to $146 million by the court. The reduction accounted for adjustments in the calculation of interest and other legal considerations.

What assets was Giuliani ordered to turn over?

Giuliani was ordered to surrender several high-value items, including a $6 million Manhattan apartment, a Mercedes-Benz once owned by Lauren Bacall, over a dozen luxury watches, and an autographed Joe DiMaggio baseball jersey. The settlement allowed him to retain these assets in exchange for financial compensation.

What does the settlement mean for future defamation cases involving election workers?

The case sets a precedent for holding public figures accountable for spreading false claims that endanger election workers. It also underscores the legal and financial risks of defamation, particularly in cases involving baseless allegations of fraud.