Brenay Kennard’s $1.75M Courtroom Defeat: Influencer Found Liable for Destroying Manager’s Marriage
TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard has been found liable in a North Carolina civil trial for alienation of affection and criminal conversation after an affair with her former manager, Tim Montague. The November 10, 2025 verdict awards Montague’s wife, Akira, $1.75 million in damages and marks one of the state’s most high-profile applications of its remaining “heartbalm” laws. The ruling carries major implications for influencers whose online conduct intersects with real-world relationships.
A North Carolina jury delivered a dramatic verdict on November 10, 2025, finding TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard liable for destroying the marriage of her former manager, Tim Montague. The courtroom fell tense as jurors agreed that Kennard’s affair with Montague directly contributed to the collapse of his marriage to Akira, whom he wed in 2018 and shares children with. The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, accused Kennard of openly flaunting the relationship online and even posting images of Akira’s children without consent.
Akira Montague (left) and Tim Montague (right) were married in 2018
Kennard denied intentionally harming the family, and Montague insisted the marriage had been deteriorating for years. But the jury wasn’t convinced. After just 90 minutes of deliberation, they returned a $1.75 million judgment against the influencer.
The ruling not only reshapes the lives of those involved — it raises new questions for influencers whose public personas blur into their private lives. In a state where heartbalm laws still carry legal weight, this case has become a stark reminder that digital fame does not shield anyone from real-world consequences.
What We Know So Far
The dispute began when Akira Montague discovered her husband, Tim — who also served as Kennard’s manager — had been involved in an affair with the influencer. In May 2024, Akira filed suit seeking $3.5 million in damages, alleging Kennard destroyed her marriage and publicly flaunted the relationship for attention.
In the complaint, Akira accused Kennard of sharing photos of her children without permission and using social-media content to legitimise the affair. Tim countered that he and Akira had been living more like “roommates” since 2021, while Kennard called the lawsuit “outrageous.”
On November 10, 2025, the jury found Kennard liable for both alienation of affection and criminal conversation, awarding Akira a total of $1.75 million.
The Legal Issue at the Centre
This case centers on two civil torts still recognized in North Carolina: alienation of affection and criminal conversation.
Alienation of Affection
To succeed, a plaintiff must show:
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a valid, loving marriage existed
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the affection was destroyed
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the defendant’s wrongful acts caused the breakdown
Criminal Conversation
This requires proof of sexual intercourse with a married person during the marriage.
Key evidence courts consider
Timelines, digital communications, witness accounts, social media posts, and any behavior showing knowledge of the marriage.
Procedurally
Kennard may appeal, but the current verdict remains enforceable unless reversed by a higher court.
Consequences
These are civil matters only — no jail time, strictly financial damages.
Key Questions People Are Asking
Is Brenay Kennard facing jail time?
No. These are civil torts, not criminal charges. The outcome is financial, not custodial.
What exactly was she found liable for?
Alienation of affection and criminal conversation — claims based on marital interference, not criminal wrongdoing.
How strong was the evidence?
The jury reached a verdict in 90 minutes, suggesting they found the timeline, online conduct, and testimony compelling.
Could the case be dismissed?
Not at this stage. Only an appeal could change the verdict.
How long could the next phase take?
Civil appeals can take months to over a year, depending on court scheduling.
What This Means for Ordinary People
North Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes heartbalm torts, allowing spouses to sue third parties who interfere in a marriage. These cases reinforce the idea that emotional and relational harm can have real financial consequences.
The case also highlights how social media posts can become courtroom evidence. Photos, videos, comments, and timelines — even seemingly benign ones — may be used to establish intent or public humiliation. For anyone with a public platform, the Kennard verdict is a reminder that online behavior carries legal risk.
Possible Outcomes Based on Current Facts
Best-Case Scenario for Kennard
A successful appeal reduces damages or orders a new trial if procedural errors are identified.
Worst-Case Scenario
The entire $1.75 million judgment is upheld, plus potential legal fees associated with the appeals process.
Most Common Outcome in Similar Cases
Heartbalm verdicts are often upheld unless clear legal mistakes occurred during trial.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does North Carolina still allow these claims?
The state has chosen to preserve heartbalm torts, viewing marital relationships as legally protectable interests.
Was Tim Montague sued as well?
No. Heartbalm actions target only the third party accused of causing the marital breakdown.
Can social media really count as evidence?
Yes. Online posts are routinely used to verify relationships, timelines, and intent.
Final Legal Takeaway
The $1.75 million verdict against Brenay Kennard stands as one of North Carolina’s most high-profile heartbalm cases in recent years. While Kennard may appeal, the ruling currently represents a decisive legal win for Akira Montague. The case demonstrates how quickly digital behavior can influence legal proceedings — and how the intersection of social media and personal relationships continues to create complex, high-stakes courtroom battles.
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