TikTok Star Ordered to Pay $1.75 Million After Jury Finds She Destroyed Manager’s Marriage

A North Carolina civil jury has ordered popular TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard to pay a total of $1.75 million after finding her liable in a lawsuit brought by the ex‑wife of her former manager. 

What happened

• Kennard, who boasts nearly 3 million followers on TikTok and more than 270 000 on Instagram, was sued in Durham County, North Carolina over allegations she engaged in an off‑the‑books relationship with manager Tim Montague while he was married to plaintiff Akira Montague.  
• The legal claims are based on two old‑fashioned but still valid state laws: “alienation of affection” (when someone interferes in a marriage) and “criminal conversation” (a sexual relationship with a married person). North Carolina is among the few states that still recognize such claims.  
• The jury awarded $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250 000 for criminal conversation. The lawsuit accused Kennard of publicly flaunting the relationship, posting content featuring her and Montague and allegedly causing emotional harm to Akira and her children.  

Why this matters

• For social‑media influencers, the case shows that lifestyle content, public posts and relationships can lead to major legal and financial exposure—especially if courts find they interfered in another person’s marriage.
• The verdict highlights a relatively rare legal route (alienation of affection/criminal conversation) that typically lies dormant but can become active when digital content provides evidence of conduct.
• Because Kennard is a prominent online figure, this outcome could disrupt brand deals, follower counts and her overall monetised platform. It also sends a warning to other creators that their off‑camera behaviour may have serious consequences.

What to watch next

• Whether Kennard will appeal the verdict and how she will respond publicly—whether via social media statement, litigation or negotiations with the plaintiff.
• How brands, managers and legal teams for influencers adapt their contracts and social‑media risk strategies in light of this case.
• Whether more lawsuits of this type emerge across states that still recognise alienation of affection and criminal‑conversation claims—especially given the role of social media in creating publicly visible relationships.