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University of Idaho professor sues TikTok user who accused her of murdering students

Scofield said in a court filing that the TikToker did not comply with two cease-and-desist letters.

Published: December 26, 2022 10:26am

Updated: December 26, 2022 12:52pm

University of Idaho History Professor Rebecca Scofield filed a defamation lawsuit against a TikTok poster who published videos accusing her of murdering four students last month.

With more than 100,000 TikTok followers, Ashley Guillard has made dozens of videos  accusing Scofield, the Idaho history department chair, of working with Jack DuCoeur, the ex-boyfriend of murder victim Kaylee Goncalves, to kill the students. Guillard said the allegations are based on Tarot card readings.

Police have not identified a suspect in the stabbing deaths of Goncalves, 21; Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Xana Kernodle, 20. No known evidence links Scofield to the homicides.

Scofield said in a court filing that Guillard did not comply with two cease-and-desist letters to take down the false videos and apologize, The Hill reported Sunday. She asked for a jury trial and an unspecified amount in damages.

"Guillard’s false TikToks have damaged Professor Scofield’s reputation," the complaint states. "They have caused her significant emotional distress. She fears for her life and for the lives of her family members. She has incurred costs, including costs to install a security system and security cameras at her residence. She fears that Guillard’s false statements may motivate someone to cause harm to her or her family members."

In the filing, Schofield said she was at a hotel in Oregon and checked out hours after the slayings.

Guillard has posted several videos about the lawsuit. 

"You sure you want to do this Rebecca SCOFIELD? [T]his isn't going to end well for you," Guillard referred to the lawsuit Sunday as a caption to a video of her listening to music.

"Rebecca Schofield will regret this lawsuit," Guillard said on Friday.

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