Rudy Giuliani has “fully satisfied” a judgment against him after defaming two former Georgia election workers by falsely accusing them of election fraud in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential contest, according to a federal court filing on Monday.

The judgment was satisfied on Friday, the filing said, and comes after Giuliani reached a settlement agreement with Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, in January. A jury had awarded the former election workers $148 million in damages after a four-day trial in December 2023. The award was subsequently reduced to $146 million by a judge.

Monday’s court filing listed interest and attorneys’ fees on top of that figure. A representative for Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Monday.

A federal judge found that Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and a former federal prosecutor, had failed to comply with orders surrounding the 2023 judgment. In November of last year, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman called Giuliani’s explanation for failing to turn over valuables “farcical.” In January, Liman found Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders to turn over information about his assets.

Giuliani baselessly accused the women, who were election workers in Fulton County, of fraud following the November 2020 presidential election that Trump lost. Freeman and Moss sued him for defamation, and he conceded that he made false statements about them. A federal judge in August 2023 ruled that Giuliani had defamed them.

The women said the falsehoods resulted in death threats and that they were hounded by Trump supporters online. “There is nowhere I feel safe. Nowhere,” Freeman said in taped testimony that was played to a congressional committee in June 2022.

Moss told lawmakers in person that day that the harassment made her reluctant to leave her home. “I second guess everything that I do. It’s affected my life in a — in a major way. In every way. All because of lies. For me doing my job, same thing I’ve been doing forever,” she told Congress.

A settlement agreement was reached between Giuliani and the women in January. “The past four years have been a living nightmare,” Freeman and Moss said at that time. “We have fought to clear our names, restore our reputations, and prove that we did nothing wrong,” they said in a statement then.

Impact on Election Workers and Public Trust

The case highlights the significant impact of defamation on election workers and the broader implications for public trust in the electoral process. The harassment and threats faced by Freeman and Moss are not isolated incidents. Election workers across the country have reported similar experiences, leading to increased scrutiny and concern over the safety and security of those involved in elections.

According to a survey by the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly one in six election officials reported being threatened or harassed in the aftermath of the 2020 election. This trend has raised alarms among experts who warn that such threats can undermine the integrity of future elections. The case of Freeman and Moss serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of false accusations and the importance of protecting election workers from harassment.

Legal Implications and Future Cases

The settlement between Giuliani and the election workers sets a precedent for future defamation cases involving public figures and election-related allegations. The outcome underscores the legal risks associated with making false statements about individuals involved in the electoral process. This case could influence how future claims are handled and may encourage other defamed individuals to pursue legal action.

Legal experts suggest that the ruling could have broader implications for free speech and the responsibility of public figures to verify information before making accusations. The case also highlights the importance of due diligence in reporting and the potential legal consequences for those who spread misinformation.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The settlement has garnered significant media attention and public reaction. Many have praised the outcome as a victory for truth and accountability, while others have criticized Giuliani’s actions as a misuse of power and influence. The case has sparked discussions about the role of public figures in shaping public opinion and the ethical responsibilities that come with such influence.

In a statement, Freeman and Moss emphasized the importance of their fight for justice. “We have fought to clear our names, restore our reputations, and prove that we did nothing wrong,” they said. Their words resonate with many Americans who have witnessed the damaging effects of misinformation and false accusations on individuals and society as a whole.

Future of Election Integrity

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of election integrity and public trust, the case of Giuliani and the Georgia election workers serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the need for robust protections for election workers and the importance of accurate information in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Moving forward, policymakers and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure the safety and security of election workers and to hold accountable those who spread false information. The lessons learned from this case can inform future policies and practices aimed at safeguarding the electoral process and protecting the individuals who play a crucial role in it.