TikTok Psychic Appeals $10 Million Blow in University of Idaho Murders Defamation Lawsuit
A Houston-based psychic is refusing to back down after being hit with a staggering $10 million legal penalty. Ashley Guillard, who rose to viral fame via TikTok, is now appealing a massive defamation judgment stemming from her “spiritual” interference in one of the most notorious crime cases of the decade.
The legal firestorm began following the November 13, 2022, tragedy in Moscow, Idaho. In the early hours of that morning, four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were killed in a brutal stabbing attack at an off-campus residence, according to the Idaho State Police.
While law enforcement worked meticulously to track a white Hyundai Elantra and secure DNA evidence, a parallel, chaotic investigation was unfolding over TikTok. Among the surge of “armchair detectives” was Guillard, a self-proclaimed psychic crime solver whose tarot readings led her to a devastatingly wrong conclusion.
Using her cards as “evidence,” Guillard asserted as fact that the killings were not random. Instead, she claimed they were an “inside job,” specifically naming Rebecca Scofield—a distinguished history professor and department chair at the University of Idaho—as the mastermind behind the quadruple homicide.
Guillard’s accusations were not merely vague theories; they were specific and malicious. Across more than 100 videos, she alleged that Scofield had engaged in a clandestine romantic affair with one of the victims and had ordered the murders to ensure the secret remained buried.
The reality was starkly different. As reported by CBS News, Scofield had never met the victims and was nowhere near the crime scene. Yet, she became the target of a viral nightmare fueled by millions of views.
When Guillard refused to delete the baseless content, Scofield fought back in court. According to KREM 2, the professor suffered immense professional damage and personal distress, including direct threats from the public. An Idaho jury ultimately sided with Scofield.
On February 27, following a three-day trial, the jury ordered Guillard to pay $10 million in damages. Despite the crushing verdict, and despite a judge dismissing her 2023 countersuit, Guillard is persisting.
In a legal filing she drafted herself, Guillard labeled the case “fraudulent” and petitioned the federal court to set aside the judgment, as first noted by The Guardian.
“Unfortunately, because the verdict doesn’t align with the evidence or facts of the case, I have to appeal,” Guillard told the Idaho Statesman. “I was hoping for a fair and impartial verdict so that we all could move on.”
This defiance comes even after the actual perpetrator was identified. Bryan Kohberger, who admitted to the murders in July 2025, pleaded guilty and received a life sentence. Yet, Guillard continues to signal her lack of remorse.
In one of her recent TikToks, the psychic was seen lip-syncing to a sound that essentially stated: “I’m sorry, that I’m not sorry.”
@iconicashleygod Okay habibi
Does the viral nature of “true crime” content excuse the spread of baseless allegations, or should influencers be held to the same standards as traditional journalists?
Furthermore, if “spiritual insights” are used to accuse citizens of capital crimes, should that automatically constitute “actual malice” in a court of law?
The Dangerous Intersection of Social Media and Vigilante Justice
The case of Scofield v. Guillard serves as a cautionary tale about the “gamification” of true crime. In the digital age, the rush to be first often overrides the necessity of being accurate. When spiritualism is blended with criminal speculation, the results can be catastrophic for innocent bystanders.
The psychological impact of viral accusation is profound. As noted by the Pew Research Center, the speed at which misinformation spreads on platforms like TikTok can create a “digital mob” effect, where the accused is convicted in the court of public opinion long before a legal trial begins.
From a legal standpoint, the $10 million judgment reflects not just the falsehood of the claims, but the scale of the distribution. When a claim reaches millions, the damage to a professional reputation—especially that of an academic—is nearly impossible to repair. According to guidelines from the American Bar Association, damages in defamation cases are often scaled to the severity of the accusation and the reach of the defamatory statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the University of Idaho murders defamation lawsuit?
A jury ordered TikTok psychic Ashley Guillard to pay $10 million to Professor Rebecca Scofield after Guillard falsely accused her of orchestrating the 2022 quadruple homicide.
Who is Ashley Guillard in the context of the University of Idaho murders?
Ashley Guillard is a Houston-based tarot card reader and self-described “psychic crime solver” who went viral on TikTok for making baseless claims about the Idaho murders.
Why was the University of Idaho murders defamation lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed by Rebecca Scofield after Guillard posted over 100 videos claiming Scofield ordered the killings to hide a secret romantic relationship.
Did Ashley Guillard apologize after the $10 million judgment?
No, Guillard has doubled down on her position, filing an appeal and posting TikTok videos stating she is “not sorry.”
Who was actually responsible for the University of Idaho murders?
Bryan Kohberger admitted to the murders in July 2025, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to life in prison.
Disclaimer: This article discusses ongoing legal proceedings and judgments. It is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
What do you think? Is a $10 million fine a fair price for viral defamation, or is it excessive? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this story to spread awareness about digital accountability.
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