Former Obama White House Counsel Represents Georgia Election Workers in Defamation Case Against Giuliani
In a major legal victory against political disinformation, former associate counsel in the Obama White House, Michael J. Gottlieb, represented Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in a defamation case against Rudolph W. Giuliani. The jury awarded Freeman and Moss a staggering $148,169,000 after Giuliani falsely accused them of participating in a scheme to steal the 2020 presidential election.
Freeman, 65, and Moss, 39, expressed relief and resilience following their win, urging others not to dwell on anger and declaring themselves “more than conquerors.” Gottlieb, who took on the case pro bono, is part of a growing group of lawyers using defamation lawsuits to combat the spread of viral lies that threaten public discourse and democracy.
This is not the first time Gottlieb has taken on high-profile defamation cases. He previously represented the owner of a Washington pizzeria targeted by “Pizzagate” conspiracy theorists and the brother of Seth Rich, a DNC staff member whose murder sparked baseless conspiracy theories implicating his family.
In the Giuliani case, Gottlieb worked alongside Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating for laws and policies aimed at countering authoritarian threats. The legal victory stands as a significant blow against the spread of misinformation and sets a precedent for holding individuals accountable for their false statements.
The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the power of the legal system in pushing back against disinformation and upholding the truth. By challenging those who perpetuate falsehoods, advocates like Gottlieb and organizations like Protect Democracy continue to defend the integrity of elections and the democratic process.
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