Washington, D.C. – A federal judge in Washington, D.C., held Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court on Friday for violating a court order against defaming two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss.

In 2023, a jury awarded Freeman and Moss $148 million in a judgment against Giuliani for false claims regarding a fake ballot processing scheme in Fulton County, Georgia, during the 2020 election. District Judge Beryl Howell found Giuliani liable for defaming the two individuals after they became central figures in his baseless allegations.

The women accused Giuliani of persisting in defaming them by making statements on broadcast shows about them “quadruple counting” ballots and passing hard drives to manipulate voting machines. Giuliani’s remarks on a November 12, 2024 broadcast, where he expressed his intention to tell the truth regardless of being sued again, were of particular concern.

During the hearing, Judge Howell acknowledged Giuliani’s public influence and hoped his sworn statements under oath in court would dissuade him from making false claims about Freeman and Moss. Despite this, Giuliani protested the suggestion that he had sworn not to defame them, leading to a contentious exchange in court.

Freeman and Moss, represented by attorney Michael Gottlieb, contended that Giuliani’s comments implied defamatory accusations against them, referencing specific instances mentioned in court documents to support their claims. Giuliani’s legal team, on the other hand, argued that the allegations lacked clarity and were not adequately substantiated.

The ongoing legal battle includes a request by Freeman and Moss for monetary compensation in the event of future violations by Giuliani, as well as efforts to ensure that Giuliani utilizes his assets to comply with court orders. The issue of Giuliani’s compliance with the judgment will be further addressed by Judge Howell.