Rudy Giuliani faces a near $150 million damages order to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss for defamation post-2020 election.
The looming question remains: will Freeman and Moss actually receive any of the awarded sum? Giuliani, vowing to appeal, asserts financial constraints during the trial. Attempts to ascertain Giuliani’s net worth prove challenging due to unresponsive subpoenas.
Attorney John Langford expresses the commitment to explore every option available to secure payment for Freeman and Moss, ensuring they receive the entirety of Giuliani’s available funds. Giuliani’s spokesperson declines to comment on his current financial situation.
Langford outlines swift plans for a final judgment, targeting jurisdictions with Giuliani’s assets.
Legal expert Ryan Goodman predicts the election workers may only collect a fraction of the awarded amount, citing uncertainty about Giuliani’s assets. The staggering verdict includes defamation payments of $16,171,000 to Freeman, $16,998,000 to Moss, $20 million each for emotional distress, and $75 million in punitive damages.
Giuliani, already fined over $200,000 and facing other legal debts, has struggled with payments. Despite financial challenges, he received support, including fundraising efforts. Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment, listed at $6.1 million, remains unsold on the market.
The prospect of Giuliani declaring bankruptcy to evade damages in the lawsuit remains uncertain.
Legal experts suggest this issue may need court intervention. Even if Giuliani files for bankruptcy, similar to the Alex Jones case, he might still be liable for the awarded sum.
Ryan Goodman emphasizes the judgment’s independence, asserting Giuliani’s obligation to pay. With Giuliani’s financial troubles, the extent of his assets and competing creditors come into play. Freeman expresses that while money won’t resolve all her problems, her life is forever altered, and she misses the sense of home and identity.
Ken Frydman, former spokesman for Giuliani’s 1993 mayoral campaign, acknowledges Giuliani’s inability to pay the entire judgment but sees it as a message and precedent for defamation cases.
Despite the staggering sum, Frydman notes the vindication for the plaintiffs. Giuliani, planning to appeal, dismisses the ordered amount as absurd, maintaining his defamatory comments without offering evidence.
The former mayor stands firm on his unsupported claims against Moss and Freeman, emphasizing his belief in the validity of his statements.