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As the murder trial of Bryan Kohberger approaches for the stabbings of four University of Idaho students, a legal showdown takes center stage. A history professor, Rebecca Scofield, has filed a defamation lawsuit against a TikTok “psychic” named Ashley Guillard, who baselessly claims that Scofield orchestrated the mass killings to cover up an affair. Despite the lack of evidence, Guillard’s claims went viral on TikTok, resulting in months of legal proceedings and an attempt by Guillard to countersue the professor.
Guillard began making these accusations shortly after the tragic murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Although her claims were absurd, they gained significant attention on TikTok, as true crime enthusiasts eagerly consumed content related to the case. Unfortunately, this internet sleuthing also led to the spread of rumors, doxing innocent individuals, and causing distress for the victims’ loved ones.
While amateur investigators followed various clues, Guillard relied on her “psychic intuition.” She conducted what she referred to as “spiritual research” using Tarot readings and targeted Scofield as the alleged mastermind behind the killings. In response, Scofield’s legal team sent Guillard cease-and-desist letters, demanding that she remove the defamatory TikToks and issue an apology. However, Guillard refused and continued posting more TikToks, further painting Scofield as responsible for the murders.
Scofield eventually filed a defamation suit against Guillard, claiming that the psychic had exploited the community’s pain for her own self-promotion. The suit highlights the harm caused to innocent people, the victims’ loved ones, and the ongoing investigation due to Guillard’s unfounded speculations. Scofield’s reputation has been tarnished, and she has faced online ridicule, threats, and emotional distress as a result of Guillard’s statements. The professor now fears for her safety and that of her family, prompting her to install security measures at her residence.
As the case unfolds, Scofield is faced with mounting legal bills, and a friend has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support her. However, Guillard argues that she has also suffered financial losses and that Scofield has gained popularity and financial support due to the lawsuit. Guillard maintains the truthfulness of her claims against Scofield, even though there is no evidence to support them.
During court proceedings, Guillard attempted to obtain private communications and information from Scofield’s social media accounts through a subpoena, but the judge dismissed her request as a fishing expedition. The judge emphasized that Guillard’s counterclaims lacked plausibility and were based solely on her psychic intuition, which cannot serve as a basis for legal action.
In her defense, Guillard portrayed herself as the victim, claiming that Scofield had incited an online attack against her and had discriminated against her religion. However, the judge ruled that these arguments were irrelevant to Scofield’s claims of defamation and false accusations.
In the end, the judge dismissed Guillard’s counterclaims, stating that they were unverifiable and outrageous. If Scofield’s defamation lawsuit proceeds to trial, it will likely take place in January and serve as an opportunity for the truth to prevail.
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