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On August 30, 2023, Rudy Giuliani, a former attorney for Donald Trump, was found liable for defaming – or lying about and unfairly endangering the reputation of – two Georgia election workers who were the target of a conspiracy theory which led to them facing considerable threats and harassment following the 2020 presidential election.
Giuliani repeatedly spread and amplified conspiracy theories about the mother and daughter election workers in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results. These statements and efforts were determined to be “false and unsubstantiated,” according to an investigation by the Georgia State Elections Board.
Ms. Freeman and Ms. Moss sued Giuliani for defamation in late 2021. After unsuccessfully attempting to have the case thrown out, Giuliani eventually conceded in a court filing to making false statements. On Aug. 30, 2023 the Judge awarded a default judgement to Freeman and Moss when Giuliani failed to turn over records in the case. Howell also ordered Giuliani to reimburse Freeman and Moss more than $89,000 in attorneys' fees and costs.
A trial to determine the amount of damages for which Giuliani will be held liable will be set for later this year or early 2024.