Jury Weighs Damages After TikTok User Falsely Accused U of I Professor in Murder Case

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A federal jury is weighing damages 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 the 2022 student murders 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 publicly that Scofield was not involved. A federal judge has already ruled that Guillard's statements were defamatory, and the jury is now deliberating on the issue of damages.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for viral online accusations to cause significant harm to an individual's professional reputation and career prospects, even after the claims are proven false. It raises questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content that can lead to real-world consequences for those targeted.

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 warning that the accusations were false and harmful. Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger in the student murders case and publicly stated that Scofield was not involved.

• In the weeks after the November 2022 University of Idaho student murders, Guillard posted dozens of videos making the false accusations against Scofield.
• Scofield's attorneys sent cease-and-desist letters warning Guillard that the accusations were false and harmful, but the videos continued.
• Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger in the student murders case and publicly stated that Scofield was not involved.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The jury is expected to hear final witnesses on Thursday and could deliver closing arguments as early as Thursday or Friday morning, before the case is fully submitted to the jury for deliberation on the issue of damages.