Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court for the second time in a week by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C. The judge warned Giuliani that he could face jail time if he continues to spread lies about two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgement against him.
Giuliani violated court orders by defaming Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, falsely accusing them of election fraud related to the 2020 election. The defamation led to racist threats and harassment against Moss and Freeman.
During the hearing, Giuliani smiled and chuckled as the judge explained the contempt ruling. Judge Howell criticized Giuliani for suggesting he was being treated unfairly in the case, calling his behavior “outrageous and shameful.”
Giuliani faces additional legal challenges, including criminal charges and the loss of his law license in D.C. and New York due to false claims made about the 2020 election. The jury awarded Moss and Freeman $75 million in punitive damages and $73 million in other damages in December 2023.
Giuliani's attorneys argued that he acted in good faith and did not violate the court order in his comments about the case. However, the judge warned of daily fines if Giuliani fails to comply with her order to review trial testimony and case-related materials.
Giuliani, who is also facing charges in Arizona and Georgia related to election fraud claims, testified briefly during the hearing to authenticate financial records. The future of the Georgia case is uncertain following a ruling that raised concerns about the prosecution's impartiality.
