Idaho Jury Hits TikToker with $10 Million Verdict for Spreading Viral Lies

Rebecca Scofield secured a $10 million defamation judgment following a trial in Idaho where TikToker Ashley Guillard was found guilty of spreading false allegations connecting her to the 2022 Moscow student murders.

The jury, consisting of seven members, deliberated for less than two hours before reaching the verdict, which was significantly higher than what Scofield's legal team had requested. Scofield emphasized the impact of false online statements on real individuals and commended the jury's decision as a message against such behavior.

Ashley Guillard initiated the harassment by posting TikTok videos shortly after the November 2022 stabbings, baselessly linking Scofield to the crimes through alleged tarot card readings. Despite the arrest of Bryan Kohberger for the murders, Guillard persisted with over 100 videos until August 2025.

Scofield testified to enduring PTSD, severe anxiety, and chronic pain due to the relentless digital assaults, describing the experience as terrifying and distressing. The $10 million award is split into compensatory damages for medical expenses and emotional distress, along with punitive damages to deter future online defamation.

Throughout the trial, Guillard represented herself and argued that her actions were mere opinions, claiming she had the right to express herself without factual basis. Legal analysts view the verdict as a potential precedent for holding social media personalities accountable for spreading verifiable falsehoods.

During a confrontation in court, Scofield directly addressed Guillard, accusing her of spreading lies and expressing concern over the intensity of false claims made about her despite being a stranger to Guillard. The case highlights the repercussions of online defamation and the responsibility of creators in the digital space.