Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani finds himself under increasing legal pressure, with a federal judge in Washington holding him in contempt of court for the second time in a week. The ongoing fallout stems from Giuliani’s baseless accusations against two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, which have already resulted in a staggering financial judgment against him.
The latest contempt ruling comes after Giuliani failed to comply with court orders related to his defamatory claims about the two women. Judge Beryl Howell issued the reprimand, warning Giuliani of further penalties if his behavior continues. This follows a December 2023 jury decision awarding Freeman and Moss nearly $148 million in damages for the emotional distress and reputational harm caused by Giuliani’s false allegations of election fraud.
The courtroom drama deepened earlier this week when a New York judge also found Giuliani in contempt, this time for failing to disclose financial details necessary to fulfill the court’s orders. Among the assets Giuliani may lose are his New York apartment, luxury vehicles, and rare collectibles, signaling the severe financial toll of his legal troubles.
Despite the mounting consequences, Giuliani has remained defiant. Following the latest hearing, he lashed out at Judge Howell, calling her rulings a “travesty” and accusing the judiciary of bias. Giuliani insists that he has been unfairly targeted, stating, “This isn’t justice; it’s political theater.”
The controversy traces back to Giuliani’s role in promoting unfounded election fraud claims following Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential loss. In one instance, he falsely accused Freeman and Moss, who were involved in the vote count in Georgia, of tampering with ballots by exchanging USB drives “like drugs.” The object in question was later revealed to be a mint.
The fallout has been life-altering for Freeman and Moss, who have endured threats and harassment fueled by Giuliani’s widely circulated falsehoods. Their legal victory, which includes millions in damages for emotional distress and punitive compensation, has been seen as a landmark case against misinformation and defamation.
As Giuliani battles bankruptcy and ongoing legal challenges, the broader implications of his actions continue to ripple through the political and legal landscape. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of spreading unsubstantiated claims and the growing resolve of courts to hold individuals accountable for public harm.
For Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor,” this marks another dramatic chapter in his fall from grace—one where the consequences of his actions are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
