U of I Professor Awarded $10M in Defamation Case

Jury finds TikTok influencer liable for falsely connecting professor to student murders

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A University of Idaho professor has been awarded $10 million in damages from a TikTok influencer who falsely claimed the professor orchestrated the 2022 murders of four U of I students. The federal jury's verdict vastly exceeded the $1 million in compensatory damages sought by professor Rebecca Scofield, who filed a defamation lawsuit in December 2022 after the influencer made the false connection shortly after the killings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise from the spread of misinformation and false accusations, especially on social media platforms. The substantial damages award underscores the legal system's commitment to protecting individuals from reputational harm caused by defamatory statements.

The details

Shortly after the November 2022 murders of Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen, Texas-based TikTok influencer Ashley Guillard falsely claimed that University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield had orchestrated the crime. In June 2024, a federal judge sided with Scofield in her defamation lawsuit against Guillard. Last week, a Boise jury awarded Scofield $7.5 million in punitive damages and $2.5 million in compensatory damages, far exceeding the $1 million she had sought.

  • The murders of the four U of I students occurred in November 2022.
  • Scofield filed her defamation lawsuit against Guillard in December 2022.
  • In June 2024, a federal judge sided with Scofield in the lawsuit.
  • The Boise jury reached its $10 million verdict last week.

The players

Rebecca Scofield

A professor at the University of Idaho who was falsely accused by a TikTok influencer of orchestrating the murders of four U of I students.

Ashley Guillard

A Texas-based TikTok influencer who falsely claimed that Scofield was behind the 2022 murders of four U of I students.

Bryan Kohberger

A former Washington State University student who has since pleaded guilty to the murders of the four U of I students.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will determine whether to uphold the jury's $10 million award against Guillard.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for social media platforms and users to be vigilant in verifying information and avoiding the spread of defamatory claims, which can have devastating impacts on individuals' lives and reputations.