A popular TikTok personality is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit after being accused of deliberately breaking up a marriage and stealing another woman's husband.
The $3.5 Million Alienation of Affection Claim
Social media sensation Brenay Kennard, who boasts nearly three million followers for her food content, is being sued for $3.5 million by Akira Montague, the ex-wife of Kennard's current husband, Timothy Montague. The lawsuit centres on the rare legal claim of alienation of affection, which permits a spouse to sue a third party for allegedly causing their marriage to collapse.
In legal documents obtained by PEOPLE, Akira is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages amounting to the multi-million dollar sum. Remarkably, Kennard has chosen to represent herself in the sensational court case rather than hire legal counsel.
Explosive Courtroom Allegations and Testimony
The court proceedings have revealed dramatic details about the relationship breakdown. The complaint alleges that Kennard began creating content with Timothy while he was still married to Akira, doing so "without Akira's knowledge or consent." Akira further accuses Kennard of publicly sharing photographs of her children and "flaunting" the alleged affair online.
Testimony took several stunning turns, with Timothy Montague stating under oath that he never loved his ex-wife, describing their relationship as being "just like roommates." He even admitted that when he proposed, he used "the cheapest ring he could find."
Adding to the family drama, Timothy's sister Imani testified that her brother had been "a terrible husband" and that the stress of his marriage created such a "hostile" living environment that it caused her to drop out of university.
The Defence and Legal Requirements
Kennard testified that she had moved in with the couple around December 2023 due to problems with her own ex-husband, claiming she never knew Akira was uncomfortable with her presence. However, Akira's attorney, Robonetta Jones, countered this by presenting a text message in which Akira explicitly demanded: "Brenay has to leave. By noon."
Prosecutors presented video evidence from last year showing Kennard expressing anxiety to become "Mrs. Montague" and footage of the influencer "twerking" on Timothy in a bathroom. Kennard testified that she was drunk when these clips were filmed.
For Akira to succeed with her alienation of affection case, she must prove three key elements: that her marriage to Timothy was genuine with "some degree of love and affection"; that this love was "seriously diminished or destroyed"; and that Kennard was responsible for the relationship's dissolution.
This type of lawsuit is only permitted in six US states, including North Carolina where this case is being heard. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how social media behaviour intersects with personal relationships and legal responsibility.
