Rudy Giuliani must pay nearly $150M to former election workers in Georgia trial
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani was ordered to pay two former Georgia election workers $148 million each after he was found liable for defaming them.
The verdict came after a four-day trial, which included the testimony of plaintiffs Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled that Giuliani was liable for defamation before the trial.
Giuliani was sued after he claimed that the two plaintiffs rigged the 2020 presidential election. He continued to make the claims during the trial.
"Everything I said about them is true," Giuliani told reporters following the first day of the trial. "Of course, I don't regret it."
In closing remarks at the trial, defense attorney Joe Sibley asked the jury not to judge Giuliani based on his recent behavior.
"This is a good man," Sibley insisted, noting that Giuliani "hasn't exactly helped himself with some of the things that have happened in the last few days."
Attorneys for Freeman and Moss argued Giuliani should be forced to pay them $24 million each.
Reports stated he was ordered to pay $16,171,000 to Freeman and $16,998,000 to Moss for defamation, another $20 million each for emotional distress and punitive damages of $75 million.
It was unclear if Giuliani would appeal the jury's verdict.