Three million followers couldn’t protect Brenay Kennard from the harsh reality of North Carolina’s legal system, which still enforces laws many assume disappeared decades ago. In a landmark civil case, a jury ruled that the popular TikTok creator must pay $1.75 million to Akira Montague for having an affair with her husband, Tim, and for irreparably damaging their marriage.
The ruling brings attention to North Carolina’s little-known statutes—alienation of affection and criminal conversation—which allow spouses to hold a third party legally responsible when an extramarital relationship leads to the breakdown of a marriage.The affair reportedly took place while Tim was working as Kennard’s brand manager, a professional relationship that blurred into the personal.
Kennard even appeared alongside him on social media, further fueling the controversy and public scrutiny surrounding the case. Montague’s legal team argued that Kennard’s actions were deliberate and caused measurable harm, both emotionally and financially, to her client, ultimately persuading the jury to award one of the largest settlements in recent North Carolina history under these statutes.
This case has sparked widespread discussion online, with many questioning the relevance of such laws in today’s society and debating whether social media influence should factor into accountability. While Kennard’s followers watched the drama unfold virtually, the court’s decision underscores that online fame offers no immunity from legal consequences. Experts note that North Carolina is one of only a few states in the U.S.
where alienation of affection claims remain viable, making this case a rare example of how traditional laws intersect with modern digital culture. For Akira Montague, the verdict represents both a measure of justice and recognition of the personal toll taken by the affair, sending a clear message that actions in the private sphere—whether online or offline—can carry serious repercussions in the courtroom.
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