In a significant turn of events, Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City Mayor, has reached a settlement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss, two former Georgia election workers. The agreement, announced on Thursday, allows Giuliani to retain ownership of his Florida condominium and his cherished World Series rings, which were under contention to be seized to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment against him.
The lawsuit stemmed from Giuliani’s false claims that Freeman and Moss had manipulated votes during the 2020 presidential election, accusations that led to the workers receiving death threats and having their lives upended. After a trial last year confirmed Giuliani’s liability for defamation, the focus shifted to how he would compensate the workers, with his assets, including his Florida home and personal items like the World Series rings, becoming central to the debate.
Under the terms of the settlement, Giuliani will provide unspecified compensation to Freeman and Moss, without admitting liability or wrongdoing. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that Giuliani is to refrain from making any further defamatory comments about the two women. This deal effectively ends all litigation related to these assets, ensuring Giuliani does not lose his primary residence or his memorabilia.
Giuliani’s attorney, Joseph Cammarata, confirmed outside the court that “all parties reached a resolution,” reading a statement from Giuliani that emphasized no admission of guilt was part of the settlement. Additionally, Giuliani’s son, Andrew, who claimed the World Series rings were gifts, will continue to possess them, putting an end to that particular dispute.
This settlement comes after Giuliani faced multiple legal challenges, including being held in contempt of court for failing to turn over assets promptly in this case and another for continuing to defame Freeman and Moss despite court orders. The resolution marks a significant moment, as it not only resolves the immediate financial implications of the defamation judgment for Giuliani but also sets a precedent for how high-profile defamation cases involving public figures might be settled outside of court.
The case has been closely watched as a barometer for accountability among public figures spreading misinformation, particularly around elections. While the settlement provides Giuliani with some relief by allowing him to keep his assets, it also underscores the lasting impact of his actions on Freeman and Moss, who, through this legal battle, sought not just financial compensation but also to restore their reputations and safety.