In a dramatic court case that has captured public attention, a woman in North Carolina has successfully sued a popular TikTok star for allegedly destroying her marriage. The lawsuit, filed by Akira Montigue, claims that Brnee Canard, a social media influencer with nearly three million followers on TikTok, engaged in an affair with Akira’s ex-husband, Tim. The suit was based on a legal claim known as “alienation of affection,” which is recognized in only a handful of states, including North Carolina.
The case unfolded in Durham County, where the jury ultimately sided with Akira, awarding her $1.5 million for alienation of affection and an additional $250,000 for “criminal conversation,” which pertains to the act of adultery. Akira, who alleged that Brnee’s actions led to the breakdown of her marriage, described her emotional suffering throughout the proceedings. She testified about the love she shared with Tim, detailing how he wrote her love letters and their close bond, which she claimed continued despite his assertions to the contrary.
In a twist that added to the courtroom drama, Brnee represented herself in the trial, resulting in an intense showdown where she cross-examined Akira. The courtroom atmosphere was charged, with witnesses reporting moments of shock as Brnee made pointed remarks during her questioning. Akira’s testimony included heart-wrenching details about the impact of the affair on her children, who she indicated were struggling to cope with the situation.
Brnee’s defense centered around the argument that the marriage was already deteriorating before her involvement, claiming Akira and Tim were more like roommates than a loving couple. Tim’s testimony supported this narrative, as he described the marriage as lacking affection and characterized Akira’s emotional claims as exaggerated. However, the jury did not seem swayed by Brnee’s arguments, concluding that her actions had indeed contributed to the collapse of Akira and Tim’s relationship.
The case also revealed underlying tensions, with allegations of cyberstalking and threats exchanged between the parties before the trial. Brnee was previously charged with cyberstalking Akira, which added another layer of complexity to the proceedings. The volatile nature of their interactions was evident, as Akira’s grandmother testified to confrontations between the two women.
The verdict has sparked discussions about the implications of alienation of affection laws, which many view as outdated. Legal experts note the difficulty of proving such claims, as plaintiffs must demonstrate that genuine love existed in the marriage and that a third party intentionally interfered. The sizable jury award indicates a strong message about the perceived severity of Brnee’s actions.
As the case concludes, it serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional turmoil that can accompany relationship breakdowns, especially when compounded by public scrutiny and social media involvement. While Akira has described the verdict as a form of justice, the aftermath of this high-profile trial will likely linger for all parties involved.
