Tiktok influencer learned the hard way how expensive it is ‘to take somebody else’s man’ after being hit with a $1.75 million verdict

TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard is learning a seriously expensive lesson about infidelity after a court ordered her to pay a massive $1.75 million in damages for breaking up a marriage. That’s right, this isn’t just awkward family drama; it’s a huge financial hit for the influencer who was held responsible for the marital breakdown.

The original plaintiff, Akira Montague, brought the civil lawsuit against Kennard last May, accusing the influencer of having an affair with her then-husband, Timothy Montague. This entire situation is incredibly messy, and you’re probably asking yourself how someone can even be sued for this in the U.S., per News & Observer.

North Carolina is one of the only states that still maintains laws allowing suits for “alienation of affection.” It’s an old-school law, but it’s definitely still active. This kind of lawsuit requires the person bringing the claim to prove three things: that there was previously love within their marriage, that this love was alienated, and that the person they’re suing acted maliciously to create the rift. Clearly, the jury felt Montague met that high burden of proof.

You can be sued for breaking people up

The relationship between the parties is surprisingly complicated, which adds another layer of drama to the case. According to The News & Observer, Kennard actually stayed with the Montagues for at least two weeks in 2023 because she was having marital problems of her own. Here’s the kicker: Kennard’s husband, Devon Mayo, is Timothy’s cousin. Mayo filed for divorce earlier this year.

Much of the case seemed to revolve around Kennard’s use of social media. Montague accused the influencer of having an affair and then actively flaunting it across TikTok. Kennard was also accused of using private information Timothy had shared about his marriage in confidence to actively “seduce” him. Montague ultimately said she discovered proof of the affair in January 2024.

The lead-up to the actual trial was incredibly heated and full of bizarre incidents. Prior to the lawsuit, Montague was arrested for allegedly threatening Kennard. Later, in September of this year, Kennard was arrested and charged with cyberstalking Montague. Even the trial itself was eventful, as Timothy was arrested at one point for having a gun in the courthouse. That’s a level of chaos you rarely see in civil court.

The total $1.75 million payout wasn’t just one lump sum, which is something you need to know. The jury awarded $1.5 million specifically for the “alienation of affection.” Kennard also had to pay an additional $250,000 for “criminal conversation,” which is the legal term referring to sleeping with someone else’s spouse.

Akira Montague had initially sued for $3.5 million, so while the total award was lower than she requested, $1.75 million is a staggering amount that makes a massive statement. The courtroom was reportedly filled with people supporting Montague, who cheered as the jury’s conclusion was shared.