TikTok Influencer Fined $1.75M for Ending Manager’s Marriage
A jury in North Carolina has ordered a TikTok influencer to pay $1.75 million to the ex-wife of her manager. The lawsuit was filed by Akira Montague against Brenay Kennard, who has 2.9 million followers on TikTok. Montague accused Kennard of causing the end of her marriage to Tim Montague, who was also Kennard’s manager.
Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action was based on North Carolina’s alienation of affection law. This law allows a spouse to sue a third party who they believe contributed to the marriage’s breakdown. Akira Montague claimed that Kennard manipulated their friendship to seduce her husband.
Allegations Against Kennard
- Montague accused Kennard of pursuing Tim Montague through flirtatious behavior.
- The suit described Kennard’s actions as including wearing provocative clothing and verbal flirting.
- It was alleged that Kennard used personal information shared by Akira to entice Tim.
According to the lawsuit, Akira learned about the affair in January 2024 when a video surfaced showing Brenay and Tim in their home. The suit claimed they exchanged numerous sexual videos and text messages and often met in the Montagues’ marital residence.
Circumstances of the Affair
Kennard was not only accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Tim Montague but also of planning trips with him and creating videos expressing her affection. Akira stated that Tim started to emotionally withdraw from her, attributing this change directly to Kennard’s influence.
Jury Verdict and Reactions
The jury found Kennard liable for both “criminal conversation” and “alienation of affection.” She was awarded $250,000 for the former and $1.5 million for the latter. In response to the verdict, Kennard expressed her disappointment and claimed that Akira Montague had given her consent for the affair, a statement Akira denied in her lawsuit.
The case highlights the complexities of personal relationships intertwined with public personas, particularly in the age of social media. This ruling emphasizes the legal ramifications of actions that can impact not just personal lives but also professional ties.
