The murder of four University of Idaho students sent shockwaves across the nation. As the investigation unfolded, social media became a breeding ground for speculation, rumors, and conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, one University of Idaho professor found herself at the center of a viral TikTok campaign, falsely accused of involvement in the horrific crime.
TikTok Accusations Lead to Defamation Lawsuit
Rebecca Schofield, a history professor at the University of Idaho, is suing Ashley Guillard, a self-proclaimed “internet sleuth,” for defamation. Guillard posted numerous videos on TikTok accusing Professor Schofield of participating in the murders and alleging a romantic relationship with one of the victims, Maddie Mogen.
Schofield maintains she has never met any of the victims: Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, or Maddie Mogen. She also asserts that none of the students were ever enrolled in her history classes.
Despite cease and desist letters from Schofield’s attorney, Guillard continued to post videos about the professor. This ultimately led to Schofield filing a lawsuit to protect her reputation and safety.
Legal Expert Weighs In on Social Media Defamation Case
Kermit Roosevelt, a constitutional law expert and professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, believes that this case highlights the dangers of social media and its potential for causing significant harm.
“This is a bad situation,” says Professor Roosevelt. “It’s bad for the professor who is having these accusations made against her. It’s also bad for the person making the accusations, who’s subjecting herself to significant legal exposure.”
Professor Roosevelt emphasizes that communication on social media platforms like TikTok carries the same weight as any other form of publication. He cautions that while online platforms may feel less formal, the potential for defamation and reputational damage is very real.
Examining Professor Schofield’s Defamation Claim
To win her defamation case, Professor Schofield needs to prove several elements:
- Falsity: The statements made by Guillard are demonstrably false.
- Defamatory: The statements harm Professor Schofield’s reputation.
- Publication: The statements were communicated to a third party (in this case, Guillard’s TikTok followers).
- Negligence: Guillard acted negligently in making the statements, meaning she failed to exercise reasonable care in determining their truthfulness.
As a private individual, Professor Schofield benefits from a lower burden of proof compared to public figures. She does not need to prove “actual malice,” which requires demonstrating that the defendant acted with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.
The Role of Cease and Desist Letters and Potential Outcomes
The fact that Guillard continued posting videos despite receiving cease and desist letters from Professor Schofield’s attorney could be a significant factor in the lawsuit.
Professor Roosevelt expresses concern about Guillard’s actions, stating, “It seems to me that she’s not acting very rationally… This seems like a very strong lawsuit, and refusing to comply with cease and desist letters puts her in a worse position.”
The Impact of Social Media on Defamation Law
Professor Roosevelt emphasizes that social media has created a landscape where individuals can potentially reach massive audiences without the traditional gatekeeping mechanisms of established media outlets.
“We used to have gatekeepers,” Roosevelt explains. “Twenty years ago, I could have written an op-ed accusing some private individual of involvement in some notorious crime… but the New York Times never would have published it.”
However, with the viral nature of social media, unfounded accusations can quickly spread and inflict significant damage on an individual’s reputation.
The Future of the Lawsuit and the Importance of Responsible Social Media Use
The lawsuit filed by Professor Schofield against Ashley Guillard is ongoing. Guillard has yet to respond to requests for comment. This case underscores the serious consequences that can arise from spreading false information online.
As Professor Roosevelt cautions, social media users must remember that their words have power and that false accusations can have devastating consequences. It serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution, critical thinking, and responsibility when engaging with true crime content and sharing information online.