In less than two hours, jury members will gather again to deliberate the defamation case against the former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani. The jury will determine how much this political figure must pay to Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss, two former Georgia election workers. Allegedly, Giuliani defamed these individuals, circulating conspiracy theories which consequently resulted in them receiving a series of violent and racist threats.
Though expected to give his own defense testimony, Giuliani chose not to take the stand. The defense argued that the plaintiffs had already suffered enough, urging the jury to listen to their distress and harassment narrative. The defense proceeded to ask the jury to consider Giuliani's past leadership moments and the deeds he performed as the New York's mayor while deliberating the verdict.
The jury's verdict could reflect a significant turn in a nation deeply divided since the January 6th events. They find themselves tasked with the heavy responsibility of weighing the testimonies of the plaintiffs, Freeman and Moss, who describe living in constant fear for their lives and safety. Due to the alleged defamation, both plaintiffs expressed the fear that accompanies public identification, hastily leaving their homes due to the volume of terrifying calls they received. As the jury gathers to deliberate, these testimonies will most definitely influence their decisions.
In this defamation lawsuit, the judge has already found Giuliani liable, which moves the jury’s focus to the amount of compensation owed. The number could range from nothing to a staggering amount for each of the plaintiffs. Freeman and Moss are asking for at least $24 million each, a total of $48 million, for the reputational damage they have endured. Their attorneys argue this amount was calculated based on the expenses required to repair their tarnished reputations. The attorneys also request awards for emotional distress and punishment for Giuliani, which could potentially push the compensation amount into the millions.
