In the wake of the 2020 election, Georgia poll worker Ruby Freeman found herself caught in a storm of false conspiracy theories fueled by Rudy Giuliani, the personal lawyer for then-President Donald Trump. Giuliani falsely claimed that Freeman and her daughter had manipulated ballots to secure Joe Biden’s victory, leading to a barrage of racist threats and unwavering harassment for Freeman. Testifying at her defamation trial, Freeman shared the terrifying ordeal she endured, including death threats and fears that Trump supporters were closing in on her. As jurors determine the extent of Giuliani’s liability, Freeman’s testimony sheds light on the very real consequences of false claims and the tremendous impact they can have on an individual’s life.
Table of Contents
Background
Rudy Giuliani’s false claims
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a personal lawyer for Donald Trump, propagated false claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election. One of the individuals affected by Giuliani’s baseless allegations was Ruby Freeman, a Georgia poll worker. Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and her daughter, Weandra “Shaye Moss,” of manipulating ballots to favor now-President Joe Biden. These unfounded allegations had significant consequences for Freeman and her life.
Consequences for Ruby Freeman
Following Giuliani’s false claims, Ruby Freeman experienced a torrent of abuse and harassment. As a result, she feared for her life and the safety of her family. Freeman received death threats, racist messages, and endless harassment on social media platforms and through various communication channels. The relentless onslaught of threats and intimidation deeply impacted her well-being and sense of security.
Ruby Freeman’s testimony
Death threats and harassment
During her testimony, Ruby Freeman recounted the horrifying experience of receiving death threats. The threats were not only explicit but also racially motivated, aimed at instilling fear and causing harm. Freeman spoke about the incessant phone calls, voicemails, and messages that flooded her personal and business accounts, leaving her terrified and traumatized. The severity of the threats and the constant harassment made her fear for her life.
Racist threats and messages
Freeman and her daughter, both African American, were subjected to racist threats through various means. They received messages filled with vile racist slurs and degrading language. These messages not only targeted Freeman and Moss personally but also expressed hopes for their violent demise. Freeman read aloud a message in which someone expressed a desire to witness their necks snap, accompanied by gruesome imagery. These racially motivated threats further deepened Freeman’s distress and fear.
Fear for her life
Given the relentless death threats, harassment, and racist messages, Ruby Freeman lived in constant fear for her life. The knowledge that the individuals behind these threats had access to her personal information, including her address and phone number, heightened her anxiety. She explained in court that she was terrorized and genuinely believed that there were people who intended to harm her. This fear significantly impacted her daily life and forced her to take extreme precautions to ensure her safety.
Trial proceedings
Judge’s ruling on defamation
US District Judge Beryl Howell presided over the trial and ruled that Rudy Giuliani was liable for defaming Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Weandra Moss. This ruling established that Giuliani’s false claims had caused significant harm to Freeman’s reputation and well-being. The stage was then set to determine the damages owed to Freeman and Moss.
Determining damages
The task at hand for the jurors was to determine the appropriate monetary compensation for the damages inflicted on Ruby Freeman and Weandra Moss. The aim was to assess the impact Giuliani’s defamation had on their lives and assign a value accordingly. Testimony from experts, including marketing professor Ashlee Humphries from Northwestern University, provided insights into the cost of reputational repair and the potential financial implications.
Cost of reputational repair
Testimony from marketing professor
Ashlee Humphries, a marketing professor from Northwestern University, was called as an expert witness during the trial. Humphries testified about the potential cost of a reputational repair campaign aimed at mitigating the damage inflicted on Ruby Freeman. She stated that such a campaign could amount to approximately $47.5 million. This testimony highlighted the significant impact of Giuliani’s false claims on Freeman’s reputation and the potential financial ramifications.
Potential damages
The determination of damages in this case required a careful consideration of the harm caused by Giuliani’s defamation. The jurors had to assess the extent to which Freeman’s life had been upended by the false claims, leading to homelessness, loss of business, and a damaged reputation. The potential damages sought would reflect the severity of the impact and the need to address the harm caused to Freeman’s life and well-being.
Impact on Ruby Freeman’s life
Homelessness and fear
Ruby Freeman’s life took a drastic turn as a result of Rudy Giuliani’s false claims. She found herself temporarily homeless, fearing that staying with friends or family would put them at risk from the threats she was receiving. The unfounded accusations disrupted her life and safety to such an extent that she had to live out of her car. Freeman’s experience highlighted the profound and tangible consequences of spreading baseless conspiracy theories.
Loss of business and reputation
The repercussions of Giuliani’s false claims extended beyond Freeman’s personal life. As a clothing boutique owner, Freeman had spent 30 years building her business and reputation. However, the defamation caused by Giuliani’s accusations forced her to change her business name and compromised her ability to advertise effectively. Freeman also faced the loss of long-time customers and struggled to network with vendors as she had previously done. The damage to her business and reputation further compounded the challenges she faced.
Closing arguments and Giuliani’s response
Expected testimony
Closing arguments were scheduled for the end of the trial, and Rudy Giuliani was expected to present his defense. The completion of the trial proceedings would provide an opportunity for both parties to make their final statements regarding the impact on Ruby Freeman’s life and the damages appropriate to address that impact.
Giuliani’s denial and press conference
Following the court proceedings, Rudy Giuliani held a press conference denying any involvement in the threats and harassment against Ruby Freeman. He distanced himself from the recordings and claimed that he did not know the individuals responsible. Giuliani’s denial and attempt to absolve himself of any responsibility raised questions about his accountability and the credibility of his defense.
Conclusion
The consequences of Rudy Giuliani’s false claims reverberated through Ruby Freeman’s life, leaving her in fear for her safety and well-being. The death threats, racist messages, and relentless harassment she endured demonstrated the tangible harm caused by baseless accusations. As the trial came to a close, the determination of damages would serve as a means to acknowledge the severity of the impact on Freeman’s life and provide a measure of justice. The trial also emphasized the importance of accountability for those who spread false information and the need to address the real-world consequences of their actions.
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