A social media personality who was ordered to pay $10 million to a University of Idaho professor after falsely accusing her of involvement in the 2022 Moscow student murders is now fighting that judgment in court, according to documents obtained by TMZ.
Ashley Guillard, who operates a TikTok account under the name Ashley Solves Mysteries, has filed legal papers seeking to overturn the multimillion-dollar verdict entered against her. The case stems from claims Guillard made on social media in the aftermath of the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho — a case that drew national and international attention and ultimately ended with killer Bryan Kohberger receiving four life sentences.
How the False Accusations Unfolded
According to court documents, Guillard claimed she conducted a tarot card reading following the murders in an attempt to gain, in her words, “information on who killed the students and why.” She alleged her tarot cards revealed that one of the slain students had a relationship with University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield, and that Scofield had “ordered the murders of the four students.”
Scofield, who had no connection to the crimes, swiftly pursued legal action against Guillard, arguing that the false accusations spread across social media caused severe damage to her reputation, led to lost salary increases, and inflicted significant mental distress. A court sided with Scofield, awarding her $10 million in damages.
The case highlights a growing concern across the country about the real-world harm that can result from social media users spreading unverified and reckless accusations — particularly in high-profile criminal cases that capture widespread public attention. The Moscow murders, which shocked the Palouse region and the entire state of Idaho, became fertile ground for online speculation and misinformation in the weeks and months following the crime.
Guillard Fights Back, Compares Case to Salem Witch Trials
In her court filing, Guillard is pushing back hard against the judgment. She claims she did not receive a fair trial, alleging fabricated evidence was used against her and that Scofield lied under oath — accusations the court had previously weighed and rejected when entering the verdict.
Guillard also argues that she was “targeted and punished for her spiritual beliefs,” stating in her filing that her practices “were even referred to as witchcraft.” She compared the judgment entered against her to the “Salem Witch trials,” and is now asking the presiding judge to throw out the $10 million verdict entirely.
Legal observers note that overturning a civil judgment of this magnitude on the grounds Guillard has cited presents a significant legal challenge. Courts generally require substantial evidence of procedural error or misconduct to set aside a jury verdict, and characterizing tarot-based accusations as protected spiritual practice has not been recognized as a legal defense against defamation claims.
Professor Scofield’s lawsuit was widely viewed as a necessary response to the type of reckless online behavior that became rampant as the Moscow murder case dominated national news coverage. Law enforcement and university officials repeatedly warned the public during the investigation that spreading unverified accusations about specific individuals could harm innocent people and potentially interfere with the criminal investigation.
Kohberger, a former Washington State University criminology student, was ultimately identified, arrested, tried, and sentenced for the murders of the four University of Idaho students. His sentencing to four consecutive life terms closed the criminal chapter of one of Idaho’s most closely watched cases in decades. For more on how the University of Idaho community has continued moving forward, see coverage of University of Idaho Vandals entering spring football camp with new coordinators and key players to watch in Moscow.
The University of Idaho, located in Moscow along the Palouse, has worked to restore a sense of normalcy and community in the years since the tragedy. Faculty, staff, and students have largely rallied around one another, even as legal proceedings stemming from the case continue in civil courts. The university community has also engaged in broader conversations about responsible discourse and academic integrity, including events such as the upcoming ethics symposium featuring a keynote address in Moscow.
What Comes Next
Guillard’s motion asking the court to set aside the $10 million judgment is now pending before the judge. If the court denies her request, Guillard would likely face the choice of satisfying the judgment or pursuing an appeal through higher courts. Scofield and her legal team have not made public statements about the filing, according to available reports. The outcome of this post-verdict litigation could have implications for how courts treat defamation claims arising from social media accusations in future high-profile criminal cases.