Alienation of Affection NC | TikTok star ordered to pay $1.75M in lawsuit accusing her of having affair with woman’s husband
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Monday, a Durham County jury awarded a woman the third-highest award in North Carolina history for an alienation of affection case.
A civil lawsuit was filed in 2024 by Akira Montague against viral TikTok star Brenay Kennard for having an affair with Montague’s husband.
In the 14-page complaint, Montague accused Kennard of “verbally flirting” and having a sexual affair with Tim Montague.
Under the state’s alienation of affection lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove they are in a loving marriage, the third party must have knowledge of the marriage, and the marriage must have continued while the affair was going on.
Ms. Kennard flaunted her relationship with a married man
Robonetta Jones, Attorney
“When you are thinking about alienation of affection, you have to think about the humiliation that the spouse went through,” said Akira Montague’s attorney, Robonetta Jones.
“Ms. Kennard flaunted her relationship with a married man. And of course, it went viral and my client was humiliated as a result of that.”
Kennard has more than three million social media followers on TikTok.
Brenay Kennard (Photo: Raleigh News and Observer)
Throughout the 6-day trial, Montague’s attorney said she presented more than 700 pages of evidence.
“It is a lot,” said Jones. “When you finally are able to tell your truth, she felt a sense of relief.”
Additionally, Kennard was married to Tim Montague’s first cousin. The civil complaint further alleged that the four spent time together and that Kennard posted photos and videos to social media showing the relationship between both couples.
“We were able to prove that they had a loving relationship. They were able to take trips together, spend time together, and still make sure they held themselves out to be husband and wife,” said Jones of the Montagues’ marriage. “Also, text messages helped a lot as well.”
Kennard filed a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that photos and videos presented by Akira Montague were obtained unlawfully. A judge denied that motion.
Montague also claimed Kennard had videos “alluding to how she cannot wait to become Mrs. Montague.”
Jones said her client represents and speaks for other women in similar situations.
“She has a voice for women that have been hurt by friends and by their loved ones. So a lot of people say that they can recognize themselves in my client,” Jones added.
Consequences for interfering with another person’s marriage.
Robonetta Jones, Attorney
Kennard denied all of the allegations against her in court.
She did not provide a comment when reached by ABC11 for this story.
The Durham County jury awarded Akira Montague $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250 thousand for criminal conversation.
“I believe the message is that there are consequences for interfering with another person’s marriage,” said attorney Jones.
“People have to know that if you interfere and you sleep with someone who’s married, there are consequences in the state of North Carolina and maybe they will think twice before they do it.”
SEE ALSO | Alienation of affection lawsuit against former NC House Speaker Tim Moore resolved
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