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A social media influencer known for using divination cards while discussing true-crime events might soon face significant financial consequences. This comes after she wrongly implicated a University of Idaho professor in the 2022 murders of four students.
A federal judge in Idaho had previously determined that Ashley Guillard, a Texas-based TikToker, defamed Professor Rebecca Scofield by sharing videos that alleged Scofield’s involvement in the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Last month, a jury ordered Guillard to pay $10 million in damages.
Bryan Kohberger, who confessed to the infamous quadruple murder in Moscow, Idaho, last year, is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
In Scofield’s lawsuit against Guillard, it was noted that the influencer’s TikTok videos, posted soon after the tragic events, garnered millions of views. These videos boosted Guillard’s online fame but severely damaged Professor Scofield’s reputation.
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty last year to the notorious quadruple murder in Moscow, Idaho, and is serving life in prison.
Scofield’s suit against Guillard said the influencer’s TikToks, which began being posted shortly after the killings, were “viewed millions of times, amplifying Guillard’s online persona at the expense of Professor Scofield’s reputation.”
Guillard claimed Scofield ordered or participated in the crimes and had been involved with one of the students, according to the lawsuit.
In the complaint, Scofield said “she had never met any of the victims, let alone entered a romantic relationship with them” and was out of town when the students were murdered.
The professor’s legal counsel sent cease-and-desist letters to Guillard, to no avail, the suit said. As a result, Scofield “was subject to online ridicule and threats from Guillard’s online commenters,” the plaintiff said.
The lawsuit describes Guillard as a “purported internet sleuth” with more than 100,000 followers on TikTok. Guillard claims to solve murders by “consulting Tarot cards, and performing other readings, to obtain information about the murders,” the complaint said.
For her part, Guillard posted a series of TikTok videos contesting the jury verdict and judgment against her. Guillard said she could not get a fair trial in Idaho, where the proceedings were held.
Previously, Guillard predicted she would “win” the lawsuit.
“I’m actually gleaming with excitement,” Guillard said in 2022. “I cannot wait to present my ideas in court.”