Following the first day of the trial, Judge Beryl Howell chastised Giuliani for remarks he had made about Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss outside the courtroom.
It was decided that these remarks “could support another defamation claim” and were “negative, quite defamatory statements.”
In August, Giuliani was found guilty of defamation for remarks he had made in the past regarding the women.
The judge’s criticism implies that Giuliani’s actions might hurt his case even more and result in higher damages being given to the plaintiffs.
Important lessons learned:
This case serves as a reminder of the gravity of defamation and the possible repercussions of making untrue or damaging remarks about someone.
It also calls into question Giuliani’s commitment to fighting the defamation charges and his legal strategy.
Giuliani is forewarned by the judge’s strong words that he could face additional legal repercussions if he makes similar claims.
Extra information:
After the first day of the trial, on Monday night, Giuliani spoke with reporters and asserted that all he had said about the two women after the 2020 election was accurate. Additionally, Giuliani reiterated the untrue assertion that “they were engaged in changing votes.”
Giuliani retorted, “Oh you’re damn right there is,” in response to a reporter who said there was no evidence of the allegation. Pay attention.
Giuliani has already been found guilty of defamation and, as a result of his failure to reply to portions of Freeman and Moss’ lawsuit, owes them over $230,000. The mother and daughter are now requesting tens of millions of dollars, arguing that Giuliani singled them out when he made false accusations of ballot tampering in Georgia, causing them emotional distress, damage to their reputation, and danger to their safety.
Howell asked Joseph Sibley, Giuliani’s lawyer, pointed questions regarding his client’s remarks, pointing out that they obviously differed from the tone he set on Monday during the trial’s opening statements.
Sibley was asked, “How do you reconcile those statements with his statement that they engaged in criminal conduct yesterday after court?”
At one point, Sibley remarked, “I think MrGiuliani understands the law of defamation very well, your honour. I can’t control everything he does.”
In addition to being the former mayor of New York, Giuliani was the chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan.
Howell then questioned Sibley about his ability to prevent his client from making the same remarks when he testified later in the trial.
She made reference to Giuliani’s previous admission that he made defamatory remarks about Freeman and Moss when she said that it was “grossly unfair to the plaintiffs if he made those remarks while they were being prevented from accessing the data necessary to cross-examine him.”
According to Howell, “He appears fully capable of adhering to instructions should he be given instructions by the court.”
