By Michael R. Sisak | Associated Press
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is denying allegations made in a lawsuit by Noelle Dunphy that he coerced her into sex and owes her almost $2 million in unpaid wages. Giuliani claims the suit is embellished with exaggerated and salacious details to drive media coverage. Although he admits to having a consensual relationship with Dunphy for a few months during his time as former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Giuliani maintains that Dunphy never worked for him and that he didn’t pressure her into sex. The lawsuit, which was filed last month in a New York state court, contains contradictory allegations, according to Giuliani, who has asked the judge to dismiss the case. Giuliani is also seeking to have frivolous and unnecessary accusations removed from the case and for Dunphy to be penalized for inappropriate behavior. Dunphy’s lawyer, Justin Kelton, has denied Giuliani’s claims and has criticized his attempts to avoid confronting the allegations under oath. Dunphy has accused Giuliani of being a hard-drinking and Viagra-popping womanizer who made satisfying his sexual demands a job requirement while serving as her employer. She is seeking at least $10 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Dunphy was Giuliani’s business development director and public relations consultant from 2019 to 2021, and claims he promised to pay her $1 million per year but deferred payment until after his divorce. Dunphy said she received only a few cash payments totaling $12,000 to cover living expenses and that he still owed her $1,988,000. Giuliani has also been accused of reneging on a promise to represent her for free in a legal fight involving claims of domestic violence.
