TikTok Psychic Appeals $10M Defamation Verdict in Idaho Murder Case
A federal court jury in Idaho ordered tarot card reader Ashley Guillard to pay $10 million in damages to University of Idaho history professor Rebecca Scofield after Guillard falsely accused her in TikTok videos of involvement in the 2022 murders of four students. Guillard, representing herself, has filed to set aside the verdict, calling the case 'fraudulent.' Separately, National Review published a commentary arguing that litigation abuse represents a hidden economic cost that policymakers overlook, noting some states are beginning to address it.
Progressive outlets focus on the defamation verdict as a meaningful accountability mechanism protecting private citizens from viral misinformation and the real-world harm caused by social media platforms amplifying false accusations.
A federal jury found Guillard liable for defamation and awarded $10 million in damages, while Guillard has filed a pro se motion to vacate the judgment; the National Review piece represents opinion commentary on civil litigation policy, not a news report.
Conservative outlets highlight the broader litigation landscape as a systemic problem, framing excessive civil verdicts and lawsuit abuse as economic burdens that legislatures should curb through tort reform.
A federal jury found Guillard liable for defamation and awarded $10 million in damages, while Guillard has filed a pro se motion to vacate the judgment; the National Review piece represents opinion commentary on civil litigation policy, not a news report.
Ashley Guillard was ordered by a federal jury to pay $10 million to professor Rebecca Scofield after falsely accusing her of involvement in the 2022 University of Idaho murders, and has since filed to appeal the verdict.