Tarot Star DESTROYED – $10M Defamation Verdict

Gavel and clipboard with Defamation text.

A tarot-reading TikTok star just got hit with a $10 million defamation verdict for accusing an innocent college professor of masterminding brutal student murders—what happens when psychic hunches meet courtroom reality?

Story Snapshot

Federal jury in Boise awards University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield $10 million against Texas influencer Ashley Guillard for false tarot-based murder accusations.
Guillard claimed Scofield romanced a victim and ordered the 2022 Idaho student stabbings, despite Scofield’s alibi and police clearance.
Jury deliberated under two hours, signaling swift rejection of “belief-based” defenses in defamation cases.
Verdict underscores rising accountability for social media conspiracy spreaders in high-profile crimes.
Bryan Kohberger’s guilty plea and life sentences confirm no link to Scofield, closing the official murder case.

The Brutal Idaho Murders Ignite Online Frenzy

On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—died from stab wounds in an off-campus Moscow home. The rural college town’s shock rippled nationwide. Investigative delays fueled TikTok sleuths. Ashley Guillard, a Houston tarot influencer with over 100,000 followers, posted videos weeks later. Her cards allegedly revealed Scofield’s guilt. Millions viewed the claims before Bryan Kohberger’s arrest proved them baseless.

Guillard’s Tarot Accusations Target Scofield

Ashley Guillard declared University of Idaho history professor Rebecca Scofield romantically linked to a victim and the mastermind who “ordered” the killings. Scofield, department chair, stayed out of state during the murders with zero victim ties. Guillard ignored cease-and-desist letters and police statements clearing Scofield. Videos amassed millions of views. Scofield filed her defamation suit in December 2022 in U.S. District Court, Boise. Guillard represented herself, calling statements spiritual beliefs.

Court Rules Statements Legally Defamatory

Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco ruled in June 2024 that Guillard’s accusations qualified as defamation. Claims of criminal acts and professional misconduct crossed legal lines, regardless of tarot origins. The judge left damages for jury trial. Scofield’s team highlighted reputational harm and emotional toll. Guillard testified about her “spiritual journey” to solve the case during her first Idaho trip. Jury weighed evidence in February 2026 preparations.

Jury Delivers Crushing $10 Million Verdict

On a Friday in March 2026, the jury deliberated less than two hours before awarding Scofield $2.5 million compensatory and $7.5 million punitive damages. Speed reflected overwhelming evidence against Guillard. Scofield stated the verdict signals online lies carry consequences, unacceptable in her community. Guillard stuck to her belief defense. Collection and appeal remain uncertain. University of Idaho backed its professor amid the trauma.

Implications for Influencers and Free Speech

Short-term, Guillard faces financial ruin from the payout. Long-term, the ruling deters psychic influencers and true crime speculators. Social media platforms see heightened litigation risks. This aligns with conservative values of personal responsibility—common sense demands evidence over hunches. Free speech protects opinions, but not provably false crime accusations harming innocents. Parallels emerge in suits against bloggers and AI errors linking people to crimes.