TikTok Star Brenay Kennard Faces $3.5 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Affair — A Social Media Scandal That’s Now a Legal Test Case

Durham, North Carolina — Popular lifestyle influencer Brenay Kennard, best known for her viral “get ready with me” videos and lighthearted mukbang content, now finds herself at the center of a $3.5 million alienation of affection lawsuit — one that has blurred the line between online fame and real-world consequences.

The case, filed by Akira Montague, the ex-wife of Kennard’s current husband Timothy Montague, accuses the TikTok star of intentionally destroying her marriage and inflicting emotional and financial damage. The lawsuit was filed in Durham County Superior Court in May 2024, and seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.

According to The News & Observer (2024), the suit alleges that Kennard, who was also married at the time, began a relationship with Timothy while he was still legally wed to Akira. The complaint details how Kennard allegedly posted videos and photos with Timothy on social media before his divorce was finalized, publicly shared images of Akira’s children without consent, and even “flaunted” the affair during TikTok livestreams.

A Rare and Costly Law in Modern Times

North Carolina is one of only a handful of U.S. states — along with Mississippi, South Dakota, Utah, and Hawaii — that still recognize alienation of affection as a valid civil claim (BBC News). The law, rooted in 18th-century British common law, allows a spouse to sue someone who “maliciously interfered” in their marriage, leading to its breakdown.

Legal analysts note that verdicts in such cases can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the emotional and financial impact proved. In 2019, a North Carolina man won $750,000 in a similar case, while another plaintiff received a $8.8 million judgment in 2018 (WRAL News).

Now, Kennard’s case could become one of the most high-profile examples yet, largely because it’s unfolding in real time on social media.

Courtroom Chaos and Viral Drama

Since the trial began on November 3, 2025, the proceedings have been nothing short of dramatic. As reported by Insider and WRAL, Kennard is representing herself, refusing legal counsel despite the complex and emotionally charged nature of the case. Inside the courtroom, tensions have run so high that one juror reportedly asked to be excused due to “graphic and emotionally distressing evidence” presented during testimony.

Meanwhile, dozens of content creators have turned the courthouse steps into an impromptu media zone — live-streaming updates, posting “trial recaps,” and analyzing body language as if watching a reality show. The hashtag #BrenayTrial has already garnered millions of views on TikTok.

With more than 3 million combined followers across TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, Kennard’s online persona — under her handle @LifeofBrenay — is now under intense scrutiny. Lawyers not connected to the case have told Forbes that social media posts could be used as direct evidence of emotional distress and reputational harm, particularly if they violated privacy or depicted mocking behavior.

Relationships, Arrests, and Accusations

Testimony so far has painted a tangled web of relationships. Both Kennard’s ex-husband, Devon Mayo, and Timothy Montague have taken the stand. According to court filings obtained by The Shade Room and Daily Mail, Akira and Kennard were once close — even described as “friends who attended family events and double dates together.” Kennard has since downplayed their connection, claiming they were “only casual acquaintances.”

Adding to the turmoil, Timothy Montague was briefly arrested at the courthouse earlier this year for carrying a concealed weapon, requiring a $2,500 bond to be released. Kennard herself was arrested in October 2025 in a cyberstalking case filed by Akira, a charge still pending at the time of this trial (WRAL News, 2025).

The Emotional and Financial Fallout

On the witness stand, Akira Montague testified that she is seeking millions not out of revenge, but because she has faced devastating emotional and financial consequences. According to Insider, she described losing “a second household income, stable childcare, and peace of mind,” as well as racking up therapy expenses for both herself and her children.

“This wasn’t just about losing a marriage,” she said in court. “It was about losing stability, trust, and years of partnership.”

Legal experts say that if the jury rules in her favor, the decision could not only devastate Kennard financially but also damage her influencer brand and potential sponsorships. Many advertisers, including beauty and fashion companies, have paused collaborations pending the verdict.

What’s Next

The case is expected to move to jury deliberations on Monday, with a verdict anticipated later in the week. Analysts suggest the outcome could shape how influencers’ online behavior intersects with real-world legal accountability, particularly in states where outdated but enforceable laws like alienation of affection still exist.

For now, Brenay Kennard — once celebrated for her authenticity and relatability — finds herself navigating a courtroom spotlight brighter and far less forgiving than the one she’s used to on TikTok.