A true crime TikToker from Texas appeared in court Tuesday, Feb. 24, for a civil suit for defamation filled in 2024, after she accused a University of Idaho professor of the November 2022 murders of four UI students.
Ashley Guillard, a TikTok personality who used tarot card readings of both the victims and of UI faculty to reach her hypothesis, claimed in more than 100 TikTok posts that Rebecca Scofield, a UI history professor and department chair, was involved in the orchestration of the murder.
Scofield issued cease and desist letters, which Guillard ignored, prompting Scofield to sue the TikToker.
After this initial suit in June 2024, U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco stated that there was no viable evidence that supported Guillard’s statements and determined the claims were liable for defamation.
The hearing held Tuesday was to determine possible punitive damages, which will be determined by a jury. Scofield previously asked for more than $1.8 million, stating that the allegations lead to a PTSD diagnosis and professional hardships.
Guillard is representing herself in the case, while Scofield is being represented by Wendy Olson, a former U.S. Attorney for Idaho. Guillard has also been delaying the lawsuit through multiple legal maneuvers, including filing to dismiss the case over improper jurisdiction. According to the Idaho Statesman, the trial is expected to last up to four days.
Josie Adjanohoun can be reached at [email protected].