TikTok influencer fined $1.75 million in North Carolina ‘alienation of affection’ case

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A Durham County jury ordered TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard to pay $1.75 million in damages to Akira Montague, who argued that Kennard’s relationship with her then-husband, Tim Montague, destroyed their marriage. The award included $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250,000 for “criminal conversation” (a claim tied to extramarital sex under state law). The New York Post reported that court proceedings ran six days and, according to local reports, drew applause in the gallery when the verdict was read.

Why this case stands out

North Carolina is one of only six US states that still allow lawsuits against a third party for interfering in a marriage. Plaintiffs must show the marriage had genuine affection, the defendant knew the spouse was married, and the relationship continued during the affair. These cases occasionally yield large awards; the $1.75 million total here ranks among the state’s bigger recent judgments.

What both sides argued

Akira Montague said the affair caused emotional distress, health impacts and harm to her children’s home life. Her attorney told local media that social posts flaunting the relationship intensified the humiliation. Kennard denied wrongdoing, telling jurors Akira knew the marriage was over and had consented, and she unsuccessfully moved to dismiss over how some photos and videos were obtained. Tim Montague, who managed Kennard professionally, ultimately left his wife and is now with Kennard.

The legal backdrop

“Alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation” derive from older common-law doctrines. While many states repealed them, North Carolina courts and juries still hear such claims, and awards can be significant if jurors believe the third party knowingly intruded on a viable marriage.

The broader takeaway

The verdict underscores how public, online relationships can become powerful evidence in intimate-relationships litigation. In jurisdictions that retain these statutes, romantic partners who engage with a married person may face substantial civil liability. For couples, the case is a reminder that documentation, like texts, photos or social posts, can shape outcomes in court, for better or worse.