Jury weighs damages after TikTok creator falsely accused professor in Idaho murders

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A federal jury is hearing testimony in a defamation lawsuit brought by University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield against TikTok creator Ashley Guillard. Guillard posted dozens of videos in the weeks after four students were killed in November 2022, falsely accusing Scofield of involvement in the killings and alleging an inappropriate relationship with a student. The claims spread widely online and drew millions of views, despite cease-and-desist letters from Scofield's attorneys. Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger in the student murders case and stated that Scofield was not involved. The remaining question for jurors is the amount of damages Scofield suffered due to the false accusations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential consequences of viral online misinformation and false accusations, even after they have been disproven. The lawsuit raises questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of social media platforms to address the spread of harmful content.

The details

In the videos, Guillard falsely accused Scofield of involvement in the killings of four University of Idaho students in November 2022 and alleged the professor had an inappropriate relationship with a student. The claims spread widely online and drew millions of views, despite cease-and-desist letters from Scofield's attorneys. Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger in the student murders case and publicly stated that Scofield was not involved. A federal judge has already ruled that Guillard's statements were defamatory, and the jury is now tasked with determining the appropriate damages.

• The University of Idaho student murders occurred in November 2022.
• Guillard posted the false accusations on TikTok in the weeks following the murders.
• Scofield's attorneys sent cease-and-desist letters warning Guillard that the accusations were false and harmful, but the videos continued.
• Authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger in the student murders case and publicly stated that Scofield was not involved.
• The federal defamation trial began in February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Final witnesses are expected to be called on Thursday, and closing arguments could come as early as Thursday or Friday morning, before the case is fully submitted to the jury.