Rudy Giuliani is a No-Show in Defamation Case Court Appearance

Rudy Giuliani failed to show up for his court-ordered appearance in Washington, D.C. for the defamation case filed by two Georgia election workers. The case, which was filed on the basis of baseless claims by Giuliani and others that the 2020 election was rigged against Donald Trump, has seen a series of dismissive actions and non-actions by the former New York mayor.

Giuliani, along with his attorney Joseph Sibley, was reprimanded by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell for failing to appear in court, with Howell expressing her surprise at the absence of both parties. Giuliani had lost the case by default in August for failing to provide any evidence, and a trial is now scheduled to determine the amount of money he owes the plaintiffs.

An Atlanta election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss had sued Giuliani for defamation after baseless claims, which have since been proven false. The former mayor’s actions and non-actions have been described as only serving to subvert the normal process of the lawsuit and necessary court interventions. Freeman and Moss have testified to the House about the harassment they faced, which is also part of a racketeering case against Trump, Giuliani, and others in Fulton County, Georgia.

In another incident, Giuliani admitted to making dangerous statements about Freeman and Moss, attempting to downplay the defamatory nature of his comments. However, Judge Howell ordered Giuliani to pay $130,000 for Moss and Freeman’s legal fees, describing Giuliani’s claims as having “more holes than Swiss cheese.”

Still, Giuliani is facing a trial to determine the amount he owes the two women for his defamatory statements, with the case set to be heard by a jury next week. Giuliani is expected to take the stand during the trial, and Judge Howell has questioned whether his attorney plans to plead the Fifth Amendment, with Sibley responding that he does not. However, Giuliani’s absence from his court-ordered appearance demonstrates his dismissive attitude towards the case.