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Boise Jury Awards $10 Million to Idaho Professor Defamed by TikTok Tarot Influencer

The award follows a 2024 ruling that the posts were defamatory, underscoring legal consequences for viral, uncorroborated accusations.

Overview

  • Jurors in U.S. District Court deliberated for less than two hours Friday before ordering Ashley Guillard to pay Rebecca Scofield $10 million for defamation.
  • The verdict includes $7.5 million in punitive damages and $2.5 million in compensatory damages, according to court records.
  • Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco ruled in June 2024 that Guillard’s statements were defamatory and wrote that “psychic intuition” cannot create a factual dispute.
  • Guillard, who represented herself, posted more than 100 videos advancing tarot-based claims and continued after cease-and-desist letters, police statements clearing Scofield, and Bryan Kohberger’s arrest and later guilty plea.
  • Scofield testified to severe anxiety, PTSD and nerve pain and increased home security needs, and it remains unclear whether Guillard can pay the judgment or will appeal.