Giuliani Faces Defamation Verdict Amid Legal Woes and Financial Strain
Rudy Giuliani, once celebrated as “America’s mayor,” is now grappling with a $148 million defamation verdict in Georgia, marking a new low in his legal challenges. Giuliani, an alleged co-conspirator in a federal indictment against Donald Trump, is ordered to pay a sum that poses financial strain for the former mayor.
The defamation case, brought by two former Georgia election workers, adds to Giuliani’s mounting legal troubles as he faces charges in Georgia that could lead to incarceration. The verdict is viewed as a potential indicator of challenges ahead for Giuliani, who has been a prominent advocate of Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated election claims.
Nick Akerman, a New York attorney and former colleague of Giuliani, remarked on the apparent downfall, stating, “It’s like everything is crashing down on him. He hasn’t come to grips with what he has done to his life. He has completely destroyed himself.”
Giuliani, however, remains defiant and vows to appeal the verdict, describing the damages award as “absurd.” In his post-verdict statements, Giuliani maintained his stance that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump and reiterated his commitment to the claims, even if it leads to financial ruin or imprisonment.
The former mayor’s trajectory has been marked by a dramatic shift—from being hailed as “Person of the Year” by Time Magazine after the 9/11 attacks to facing legal scrutiny and financial challenges. Colleagues who knew Giuliani during his tenure as a young prosecutor leading the U.S. attorney’s office in New York’s Southern District express disappointment in the current state of affairs.
Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, refrained from commenting on the ex-mayor’s financial situation but emphasized Giuliani’s positive impact on public service, despite his recent legal tribulations. The defamation verdict adds another layer of complexity to Giuliani’s legal battles and raises questions about the future for the once-prominent political figure.
