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Giuliani Loses Bid to Dismiss $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Assault
Judge orders former NYC mayor to respond to claims of sexual misconduct, unpaid wages
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:49am
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A Manhattan judge has denied Rudy Giuliani's motion to dismiss a $10 million lawsuit brought by a woman who claims the former mayor subjected her to sexual assault, 'alcohol-drenched rants' and withheld $2 million in wages. The judge ruled that Noelle Dunphy's allegations were legally sufficient and ordered the case to proceed to discovery.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing legal troubles facing the embattled former New York City mayor, who has been embroiled in a number of civil and criminal cases in recent years. The allegations of sexual misconduct and unpaid wages also raise broader questions about workplace protections and the treatment of women in positions of power.
The details
Dunphy alleges she was hired by Giuliani in January 2019 as his director of business development with a promised salary of $1 million, but was never paid for the two years she worked for him. She claims Giuliani sexually assaulted her multiple times, usually after drinking, and subjected her to misogynistic and degrading comments, many of which she recorded. Giuliani has denied the allegations, claiming he and Dunphy had a brief romantic fling and that she was never his employee.
- Dunphy was hired by Giuliani in January 2019.
- Dunphy claims she was fired in January 2021 after confronting Giuliani about his behavior.
- Dunphy filed the $10 million lawsuit in May 2023.
The players
Noelle Dunphy
A woman who filed a $10 million lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani, alleging he sexually assaulted her and withheld $2 million in wages during the two years she worked for him.
Rudy Giuliani
The former mayor of New York City who is facing a $10 million lawsuit from Noelle Dunphy over allegations of sexual assault and unpaid wages.
Nicholas Moyne
The state Supreme Court justice who denied Giuliani's motion to dismiss Dunphy's lawsuit, ruling that her allegations were legally sufficient.
What they’re saying
“The court's decision is a complete vindication for our brave client on every single issue, and every single argument, spanning all 22 causes of action. We are grateful to the court for its thoughtful analysis of the issues, and our client is looking forward to the next steps.”
— Justin Kelton, Attorney for Noelle Dunphy
What’s next
The judge has ordered the case to proceed to discovery, where both sides will gather and exchange evidence before a potential trial.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing legal troubles facing Rudy Giuliani and the serious allegations of sexual misconduct and unpaid wages that he is now facing. It also raises broader questions about workplace protections and the treatment of women in positions of power.
