In the legal battle between TikTok influencers Akira Montague and Brenay Kennard, a court ruled that Kennard must pay Montague over $1.5 million. Social media users have been closely following the North Carolina civil case involving the two women. The former best friends built a fanbase via TikTok by making vlog-style videos together.

According to the News & Observer, Montague sued her ex-husband, Tim Montague. The civil lawsuit stemmed from Kennard’s alleged affair with Montague’s ex.

Why did Akira Montague sue Brenay Kennard?

At the time of the alleged affair, Kennard was married to her ex-husband Devon, who is believed to be Tim’s cousin. Since North Carolina is one of six states that allow former spouses to sue for alienation of affection, which can occur when someone is involved in the breakdown of a marriage. Akira filed a lawsuit in May 2024 against Kennard, requesting $3.5 million in damages, including for criminal conversation.

People reported that court documents stated that Kennard began showcasing her relationship with Tim in content posted on her social media pages while he was still married to Montague, who was unaware. Montague boasts over three million followers across her TikTok and Instagram profiles.

Although Kennard has no legal experience, she represented herself in the case. The trial, held at the Durham County Courthouse, drew TikTokers who had been following the drama virtually to report on it in real time. Montague’s mother and grandmother also provided testimonies.

After nearly two hours of deliberations, the jury came back with its decision, finding Kennard guilty and ordering her to pay $1.75 million, according to the News & Observer.

Brenany Kennard was ordered to pay Akira Montague $1.75M in damages

Following the verdict, cheers from Montage’s fans erupted in the courtroom as she embraced her lawyer, Robonetta Jones.

“She has received justice from losing her husband and the father of her children,” Jones said in a press conference outside the courthouse, per the News & Observer. “And she was able to receive that through the jury and their verdict. And not only did they recognize her harm, they awarded her the maximum amount we asked for.”

She added, “It means the world to my team, my client, and I because there are so many women who were able to have their stories heard through my client. And she was able to speak her truth after a year and a half of not being able to say anything. We just want to say we are extremely happy with this verdict, justice was served and now people will look at this, and this will set precedent for third parties interfering with another person’s marriage.”

According to WRAL News, Kennard was highly disappointed and felt the outcome was unfair, saying that Akira was aware her marriage to Tim was over and claimed that Montague had knowledge of the affair because she gave the green light to move forward together.

“She gave her consent,” Kennard told WRAL News. “She said it was okay because she knew her marriage was over, and it was done.”

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