TikTok "Psychic" to Pay $10 Million for Defaming Professor in Idaho Murders Case

A federal jury has ordered a Texas-based TikTok influencer to pay $10 million in damages to a University of Idaho professor whom she falsely accused of orchestrating the 2022 murders of four students. Ashley Guillard, 41, repeatedly posted videos claiming Rebecca Scofield, the university's history department chair, was involved in the killings and had an inappropriate relationship with a student. These false statements led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Scofield in December 2022, shortly before Bryan Kohberger was arrested and charged with the murders.

Guillard, who claimed to use tarot cards and other readings to solve crimes online, continued to publish her accusations even after Scofield sent a cease and desist letter and initiated legal action. Scofield provided an alibi, stating she was in Portland, Oregon, with her husband at the time of the murders and had no connection to the slain students. The Moscow Police Department also publicly stated they did not believe Scofield was involved in the crime. The jury’s decision, which included $7.5 million in punitive damages, sends a strong message about accountability for false information spread online.

Scofield expressed gratitude for the verdict, emphasizing that it reinforces the judge's prior ruling that Guillard's statements were false. She hopes the outcome will allow her to return to a normal life and highlights the importance of respect and care for victims during tragedies. Guillard represented herself during the four-day proceedings and continued her video accusations against Scofield even after Kohberger's sentencing.