A woman from North Carolina has secured a $1.75 million judgment in her favor against a TikTok influencer accused of having an affair with her husband and flaunting the relationship on social media.
Akira Montague received the substantial award after alleging that Brenay Kennard, who boasts over 2.9 million followers on TikTok, deliberately orchestrated the breakdown of her marriage to her now-former husband, Tim Montague.
Montague filed a lawsuit against Kennard citing alienation of affection, a rarely invoked legal claim that permits someone to sue a third party believed to be responsible for the dissolution of their marriage.
During the proceedings in a North Carolina courtroom, the jury examined extensive evidence, including a video purportedly showing Kennard dancing provocatively with Tim in a bathroom. This evidence played a crucial role in the jury’s decision to side with Akira Montague.
The court determined that Kennard had violated the alienation of affection law, which remains active in only seven U.S. states. Additionally, Kennard was found guilty of breaching criminal conversation laws.
Criminal conversation involves accusations that an individual, in this case, Kennard, engaged in sexual relations with someone else’s spouse.
‘I literally was like dizzy. Like I was about to faint,’ Akira told WTVD, recalling how she felt in the earth-shattering moment that she discovered that Tim and Kennard, a woman she had let live in her home, were having an affair.
Akira and Tim separated in March 2024, but formally divorced in August. Tim, who claimed he never truly loved Akira, married Kennard – who is known for sharing recipes and food reviews online – soon after.
Akira Montague (pictured) sued TikTok star Brenay Kennard for allegedly breaking up her marriage to her ex-husband Tim Montague
Brenay Kennard, left, and Tim Montague, right, are now married
Her attorney, Robonetta Jones, said she was ‘humiliated’ and scorned by Kennard boasting about her affair with Tim to her millions of followers on social media while he and Akira were still married.
‘It was a lot, but it was lifted once we got our verdict,’ Akira, who originally sued for a staggering $3.5 million, added.
According to the 2024 lawsuit, reviewed by NBC News, Tim was Kennard’s manager, and the social media star was actually married to his cousin.
Akira accused her of blatantly trying to seduce Tim by wearing revealing clothing around him and making suggestive comments.
Adding insult to injury, Akira said she would confide in Kennard about private matters, many of which involved Tim.
But it was all a part of Kennard’s plan to get Akira out of the picture so she could have Tim all to herself, according to the lawsuit.
‘I want people to be able to think, OK, Mrs Montague won $1.75 million,’ Jones told WTVD.
‘Is that man worth it? Is that woman worth it? They will think now. [Kennard] posted online that she wanted to be Mrs Montague, and I believe she did everything she could.’
Akira, left, and Tim, right, got divorced in August, but separated back in May of 2024
Kennard seemed careless after the verdict was reached, posting selfies in the days after
Kennard moved in with the then-couple in December 2023 due to problems with her own ex-husband. Akira said she was uncomfortable with this arrangement.
She felt herself and Tim drifting apart – blaming her unwelcome house guest for their relationship being ruined.
Tim’s sister, Imani, reportedly said that her brother had been ‘a terrible husband’ whose marriage caused a ‘hostile’ living environment.
Tim himself said in court that he was never truly in love with Akira.
‘I loved her but I wasn’t in love with her,’ Tim claimed in court, according to News & Observer.
More than 700 pages of evidence, including photos and text messages, were presented in court, proving a sexual relationship between Kennard and Tim.
The influencer had also posted online about wanting to be married and have kids with Tim.
Kennard (left) allegedly posted photos of Akira’s children without consent while ‘flaunting’ the affair with Timothy (right)
In the midst of the court chaos, Akira said she has tried her best to shield her children from the hate and harassment she said they have received.
‘It was horrible. I don’t like going out in public with my kids because I get stopped in the store,’ she told WTVD.
‘I can’t have fun with my kids; to this day, people harass me and them. It’s hard.’
While reflecting on Kennard’s actions, Akira noted: ‘She doesn’t regret it. Like she said, I’m just bitter because she took my husband. Those were her words.
‘That’s what she told the jury. That’s the woman that is not accountable for her actions and does not show any remorse for breaking up a family.’
While Kennard has not spoken out about the scandal or the lawsuit, she seemed unfazed by the amount she owes Akira – posting selfies online in the days after the verdict.
The Daily Mail has contacted Arika’s lawyer, Tim and Kennard for comment.
