Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has satisfied the $148 million defamation judgment against him, which was awarded to two Fulton County election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The jury found Giuliani liable in 2023 for making false claims that the two workers tampered with ballots during the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Following the jury’s decision, Giuliani began surrendering assets to cover the damages and penalties. In January 2025, he reached a settlement with Freeman and Moss, allowing him to retain certain personal possessions, including his Florida condominium and World Series rings. While the agreement required him to cease making defamatory statements about the election workers, it did not include an admission of wrongdoing.
Giuliani faced two contempt rulings from separate federal judges during the settlement process due to his failure to comply with court orders, including relinquishing possessions and refraining from further defamatory remarks. Court documents confirmed on Monday that the settlement action was dismissed in district court after determining that Giuliani had fully met his financial obligations to Freeman and Moss.
His attorney, Ted Goodman, previously issued a statement emphasizing Giuliani’s career contributions, stating that while plaintiffs’ lawyers could take his possessions, they could not erase his legacy of public service.
In addition to the defamation case, Giuliani has faced significant legal consequences for his actions following the 2020 election. He was disbarred in both New York and Washington, D.C., after his law license was revoked due to his efforts to assist former President Donald Trump in challenging election results.
Despite his financial and legal troubles, Giuliani remains a vocal figure in conservative politics. His legal battles and financial struggles have significantly impacted his public standing, marking a dramatic fall from his previous role as a high-profile attorney and political figure. The conclusion of this case represents the latest chapter in Giuliani’s ongoing legal challenges stemming from his post-election activities.
