Raleigh, NC – A North Carolina jury has ordered TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard, who has nearly 3 million followers, to pay $1.75 million to a woman who accused her of having an affair with her husband and destroying their marriage. The dramatic civil case — involving accusations of seduction, social media flirtation, courtroom confrontations, and even an arrest — unfolded in one of the few states where “alienation of affection” lawsuits are still legal.
The Incident: Influencer Accused of Destroying a Marriage
According to court records, Akira Montague filed a lawsuit in 2023 accusing Kennard of having a sexual relationship with her husband, Tim Montague, while the couple was still married. The lawsuit described the Montagues’ relationship as a “happy and loving marriage” filled with “genuine love and affection” before Kennard allegedly entered the picture.
The filing states that Kennard — a lifestyle creator known for her online presence on TikTok and Instagram — frequently visited the Montague home because:
- Tim Montague worked as a sales manager for her.
- The families were close friends.
- Both husbands were cousins.
- Kennard often stayed in their house and confided in Akira about her own marriage.
However, Akira alleged that Kennard began trying to “seduce” Tim by wearing short skirts, bending over suggestively, and engaging in increasingly flirtatious behavior.
The lawsuit also claimed:
“Defendant was seen twerking and shaking her bottom on Plaintiff’s Husband in the bathroom of the marital home.”
By December 2023, Akira alleged, Kennard and Tim had sex inside the Montague home — even when Akira was asleep upstairs.
Tim later left his wife and children to move in with Kennard, the complaint states.
Investigation and Evidence Presented at Trial
During the civil trial, which captured viral attention due to the parties’ social media followings, evidence included:
- Social media posts showing the pair’s flirtatious behavior
- Testimony about secret meetups
- Statements describing Tim and Kennard openly discussing their sexual relationship
- Welfare concerns about the Montagues’ children after Tim’s departure
North Carolina is one of only six states that allow jilted spouses to sue for:
- Alienation of affection – claiming a third party ruined a stable marriage
- Criminal conversation – the legal term for having sex with someone else’s spouse
These laws date back to centuries-old protections for marriage and emotional harm.
Court Proceedings and Chaotic Moments Inside the Courtroom
The trial took a chaotic turn when Kennard — who represented herself — directly confronted Akira on the witness stand.
In one widely reported moment, Kennard questioned Akira about a miscarriage, prompting gasps inside the courtroom.
“That must’ve been painful for you, right?” Kennard asked.
Akira responded,
“Well, I wouldn’t expect you to know since you don’t have children.”
The back-and-forth escalated to the point that the judge had to remove the jury and warn both women about “editorializing.”
Additional turmoil erupted when:
- Tim Montague was arrested on Nov. 5 for bringing a gun to the courthouse.
- Akira was found guilty of criminal contempt tied to a prior custody violation.
- Kennard was charged with cyberstalking.
Despite these distractions, the jury focused on the central issue: whether Kennard intentionally interfered in the marriage.
Statements and Reactions from the Parties
Akira testified through tears that the situation deeply hurt her family:
“My children aren’t the same.”
She said Kennard’s presence in her home contributed to her quitting school and emotional distress:
“I take accountability for allowing an intruder into my home.”
Kennard, in her closing argument, downplayed the allegations:
“This was a marriage that had been falling apart for years. This lawsuit is nothing but a money grab.”
Spectators — many influencers themselves — reportedly gasped throughout the tense exchanges.
Jury Verdict and Legal Context
After nearly two hours of deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Akira Montague, awarding:
- $1.5 million for alienation of affection
- $250,000 for criminal conversation
Supporters in the courtroom celebrated the victory, chanting “Team A-kira!”
The verdict reinforces North Carolina’s unique position on marital interference lawsuits, highlighting the state’s willingness to hold individuals financially liable for breaking up a marriage.
Ongoing Developments and What Happens Next
Kennard may attempt to appeal the verdict, though legal experts say overturning an alienation-of-affection ruling is difficult due to the broad discretion given to civil juries in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Tim and Akira continue navigating custody issues, and Kennard still faces her cyberstalking charge.
The trial’s sensational details — combined with the influencer’s public profile — have sparked renewed debate about:
- The impact of social media relationships
- The relevance of 19th-century marital laws
- The boundaries between personal life and online fame
Conclusion
The case of Akira Montague vs. Brenay Kennard has blended legal drama, viral attention, and emotional testimony into one of North Carolina’s most talked-about “alienation of affection” trials. As influences of social media increasingly enter the legal arena, this verdict serves as a clear message that courts can — and will — hold third parties accountable for breaking marriages apart.
What are your thoughts on this case and North Carolina’s unique marriage laws? Share your opinions in the comments below.
