Judge reprimands Rudy Giuliani for skipping court appearance ahead of defamation trial

Federal Judge Beryl Howell chastised Rudy Giuliani for failing to attend a hearing to prepare for his defamation damages trial next week. Giuliani's attorney claimed it was an oversight. The judge expressed her unhappiness with the situation and emphasized that Giuliani should have been present to understand the trial parameters. Giuliani has already been found liable for defamation, and the trial will determine the monetary damages he must pay to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who seek tens of millions of dollars in damages. Giuliani's lawyer confirmed that he would testify in his own defense, but it is unclear if he will invoke his Fifth Amendment rights.