Trendpills
A North Carolina jury has ordered TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard to pay $1.75 million for her role in the dissolution of her manager's marriage. The verdict came after Akira Montague, the ex-wife of Kennard's manager Tim Montague, filed an “alienation of affection” lawsuit, a legal claim available in only a handful of U.S. states.
Kennard, who has a significant following with 2.9 million followers on TikTok and over 270,000 on Instagram, was accused of beginning an intimate relationship with Tim Montague while he was still married. The lawsuit filed by Akira Montague alleged that this affair directly caused the breakdown of her marriage. According to court documents, Tim Montague eventually left his wife and children to move in with Kennard in Greenville, North Carolina.
North Carolina law allows a spouse to sue a third party for wrongfully interfering in a marriage. These torts, often called “homewrecker laws,” include “alienation of affection,” which requires proving that the defendant’s malicious conduct destroyed the love and affection in the marriage, and “criminal conversation,” which is a claim for adultery. Akira Montague sued on both grounds.
During the legal proceedings, evidence was presented suggesting a romantic and sexual relationship between the influencer and her manager. This case highlights the significant legal and financial consequences that can arise from such claims in jurisdictions where they are still recognized. The jury ultimately found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her a substantial sum for damages related to the end of her marriage. The verdict underscores the continued existence of antiquated but potent laws governing marital conduct, even in the age of social media stardom, making it a high-profile case involving a social media personality.
