Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, have called for severe sanctions against Rudy Giuliani, citing his failure to comply with multiple court orders and discovery obligations. The two former Georgia election workers filed a motion asking a federal judge to hold Giuliani in civil contempt and impose harsh penalties to enforce compliance with recent directives. These court orders, issued in late October and late November, required Giuliani to provide financial and other relevant documents as part of judgment enforcement efforts. However, the plaintiffs assert that he has not responded or submitted any documentation.
The motion comes as part of ongoing litigation following a $148 million defamation verdict awarded to Freeman and Moss in December 2023. Giuliani, a prominent figure and former New York City mayor, falsely accused the two women of engaging in election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. These baseless allegations led to a barrage of threats and harassment, upending the lives of Freeman and Moss. Since the verdict, the plaintiffs have worked to collect on the judgment, pursuing financial disclosures and related documents through formal requests.
Despite repeated orders to comply with these requests, Giuliani has reportedly ignored deadlines and failed to provide any explanation for his noncompliance. The motion filed by Freeman and Moss outlines his continued defiance, asserting that he has not served responses or produced documents, even after being warned that failure to comply could lead to contempt charges. The plaintiffs argue that Giuliani’s actions are willful and constitute an attempt to obstruct and delay the proceedings.
Freeman and Moss are seeking severe sanctions, including contempt of court and adverse inferences, to address Giuliani’s disregard for court orders. They assert that his conduct warrants strong measures to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of the judicial process. The motion also emphasizes the urgency of the case, noting that discovery is set to close on December 31, and Giuliani is scheduled to be deposed on December 27. Delays, they argue, jeopardize their ability to resolve the matter within the required timeframe.
The litigation involves a homestead dispute concerning whether Giuliani established residency in a Florida property before creditors fixed a lien. This determination could affect efforts to enforce the judgment against him. The plaintiffs contend that discovery is essential to this aspect of the case, but they doubt Giuliani’s willingness to cooperate. They assert that his continued defiance reflects a strategy of delay and evasion, designed to frustrate their efforts and force further postponements.
In their motion, Freeman and Moss highlight the significant impact of Giuliani’s behavior on both the parties involved and the court system. They argue that his refusal to engage in discovery represents a conscious disregard for legal obligations and the authority of the court. His actions, they contend, necessitate firm and decisive action to ensure accountability and prevent further misconduct.
The plaintiffs also stress that judgment enforcement cases are meant to proceed quickly, given their nature. They have adhered to an expedited schedule, promptly filing motions to compel when Giuliani failed to comply. By contrast, they argue, Giuliani has demonstrated a pattern of noncompliance and gamesmanship, aimed at derailing the process. This conduct, they suggest, has created unnecessary burdens and undermined the fairness of the proceedings.
Freeman and Moss are urging the court to impose severe sanctions to address these violations, including adverse inferences that could influence the outcome of the case. They also request preclusion sanctions, which would limit Giuliani’s ability to contest certain issues at trial due to his refusal to participate in discovery. The plaintiffs argue that such measures are necessary to ensure that justice is served and that Giuliani does not benefit from his obstructive tactics.
The stakes in this case extend beyond financial recovery for Freeman and Moss. Their pursuit of accountability highlights the broader importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals who engage in defamatory conduct face appropriate consequences. By seeking firm sanctions, the plaintiffs aim to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process and hold Giuliani accountable for the harm his actions have caused.
