Tarot Influencer Ordered to Pay $10M in Idaho College Murders Defamation Case

University of Idaho professor awarded damages after TikToker falsely linked her to 2022 student killings

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A federal jury in Boise, Idaho awarded $10 million in damages to a University of Idaho professor after finding a Texas TikToker financially liable for spreading false claims that linked the professor to the 2022 stabbing deaths of four college students. The lawsuit stemmed from a series of TikTok videos in which the defendant alleged, without evidence, that the professor had a romantic relationship with one of the victims and arranged the killings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the real-world consequences of spreading misinformation and false accusations online, especially around high-profile criminal cases that deeply impact local communities. The jury's substantial damages award sends a strong message that defamatory statements made on social media platforms will not be tolerated.

The details

Professor Rebecca Scofield, who chairs the University of Idaho's history department, filed the lawsuit in December 2022 against Houston resident Ashley Guillard. Guillard had posted a series of TikTok videos claiming, without evidence, that Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of the four students murdered in Moscow, Idaho in November 2022 and that she had 'ordered' the killings. The lawsuit states Scofield had never met any of the victims and was out of state when the murders occurred. Guillard continued publishing the accusations even after receiving cease-and-desist letters and after police publicly indicated Scofield was not connected to the crime.

  • The murders of the four students occurred on November 13, 2022.
  • Scofield filed the lawsuit against Guillard in December 2022.
  • In June 2024, a judge ruled that Guillard's statements were legally defamatory.
  • The damages trial took place in March 2026, resulting in the $10 million verdict.

The players

Rebecca Scofield

A professor who chairs the history department at the University of Idaho. She filed the defamation lawsuit against Ashley Guillard.

Ashley Guillard

A Texas resident who posted a series of TikTok videos falsely claiming Scofield was involved in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.

Bryan Kohberger

The criminology doctoral student at Washington State University who was arrested and pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank the jury for their time and attention to this case. The judge had already ruled as a matter of law that the statements were false. The $10 million verdict reinforces the judge's decision and sends the clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world for real people and are unacceptable in our community.”

— Rebecca Scofield, University of Idaho Professor (Fox News Digital)

“The murders of the four students on November 13, 2022, was the darkest chapter in our university's history. Today's decision shows that respect and care should always be granted to victims during these tragedies. I am hopeful that this difficult chapter in my life is over, and I can return to a more normal life with my family and the wonderful Moscow community.”

— Rebecca Scofield, University of Idaho Professor (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

It was not immediately known whether Ashley Guillard intends to appeal the $10 million verdict.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious legal consequences that can result from spreading misinformation and false accusations on social media, even if the claims are presented as personal beliefs or speculations. The substantial damages award serves as a warning to online influencers that defamatory statements can have very real impacts on the lives of those they target.