NEW YORK — A New York state judge has denied a motion to dismiss a $10 million lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani, allowing the case involving allegations of assault and misconduct to enter the discovery phase.
The ruling, issued by Justice Nicholas Moyne of the New York Supreme Court, stated that the plaintiff has presented legally sufficient claims to move the lawsuit forward.
Allegations
Plaintiff Noelle Dunphy, a former employee of Giuliani, filed the lawsuit in 2023, seeking $10 million in damages.
The lawsuit alleges:
- Abuse of power
- Ongoing abuse and harassment
- Failure to pay promised wages
- Other workplace misconduct
Dunphy claims she was promised a $1 million annual salary but never received it.
The Court's Ruling
In the ruling, Justice Moyne wrote:
“The amended complaint has set forth legally cognizable claims sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss.”
The court noted that disputes regarding witness credibility and the nature of the relationship will be resolved during the trial process or at trial, not at the dismissal stage.
Furthermore, the court ordered both parties to immediately proceed with the discovery process, giving Mr. Giuliani 20 days to respond.
Giuliani's Position
Mr. Giuliani denies all allegations, claiming:
- The relationship was consensual
- Dunphy was not a formal employee
He also argued that the plaintiff failed to prove elements of gender discrimination under laws protecting against gender-based violence.
However, the court found that allegations of non-consensual behavior and derogatory statements about women were sufficient to meet legal requirements at this initial stage.
Next Steps
The lawsuit will move into the discovery phase, a critical step before a formal trial.
This ruling marks a significant advancement in the multi-year case, paving the way for a comprehensive review of the allegations in court.
