The case stems from viral posts viewed by millions that a jury found damaged a University of Idaho professor’s reputation and caused emotional distress.
WASHINGTON — A content creator on TikTok who falsely accused a college professor of killing four students has filed an appeal after a jury ordered her to pay $10 million in damages.
Ashley Guillard, who is based in Texas, filed a notice of appeal April 6 in federal court, seeking a review of the judgment in a case brought by University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield.
Following a three-day trial in February, a jury found Guillard made repeated false statements on TikTok, accusing Scofield of being responsible for the 2022 killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
Bryan Kohberger, who was a graduate student at nearby Washington State University, pleaded guilty in July of 2025 to the brutal stabbing deaths of the four University of Idaho students. He was sentenced to serve four consecutive life sentences without parole.
The TikTok posts were viewed by millions, and jurors concluded the claims damaged Scofield’s reputation and caused emotional distress.
Guillard, who described herself online as a psychic and crime solver, claimed Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of the victims.
According to court records, those allegations were baseless. Guillard did not provide evidence to support her claims beyond tarot card readings.