TikTok creator Brenay Kennard has been ordered to pay $1.75 million to her partner's ex-wife after a court ruled that she played a role in ending their marriage. The case took place in Durham County, North Carolina, where laws still allow a spouse to sue someone for breaking up a marriage.According to the reports by People, the influencer with 3 million followers was held liable for "alienation of affection" and "criminal conversation," two legal theories that only a few states recognize. The jury reached its decision after a brief period of deliberation, siding with Akira Montague, who had alleged that Kennard had an affair with her then-husband, Timothy Montague.Akira and Timothy married in 2018 and have two children together, but according to court documents, the couple's marriage began to unravel when Timothy started spending time with Brenay Kennard, who was also his manager. Akira's lawsuit claimed that Kennard "flaunted" her relationship online and hurt her family emotionally and publicly.After nearly two hours of discussion, the jury awarded Akira $1.5 million for alienation of affection and another $250,000 for criminal conversation. The total amount ordered came to $1.75 million, a major win for Akira and her legal team, as per the reports by News & Observer.Inside the North Carolina lawNorth Carolina is one of only a few states where a person can sue someone else for ruining their marriage. This ancient law enables a husband or wife to sue another person for interference with the marriage relationship. A case of this type is called "alienation of affection," wherein the husband or wife claims that someone wrongfully interfered in their marriage and caused emotional distress. The second claim, called "criminal conversation," is a separate claim based on the sexual affairs of another person with a married person.Akira's attorney, Robonetta Jones, said after the verdict that Akira had finally received "justice" after years of suffering and public humiliation. Jones said in her statement that this case was not about revenge but was about "accountability" and "the truth coming to light."During the trial, Akira testified to the court that her husband's relationship with Brenay Kennard was profoundly painful for her and her children. She also said that Kennard had posted videos and photos with Timothy while he was still married, including some that allegedly featured her kids.Court records showed that many of Brenay Kennard's TikTok and Instagram videos included Timothy. Some clips even showed them joking together, which fans at the time believed was harmless content. But according to Akira, these posts were made while she and Timothy were still together, and she never gave permission for her children to appear.Brenay Kennard responds to the rulingAfter the ruling, Brenay Kennard released a statement saying she strongly disagreed with the court's decision. She called the outcome "outrageous" and said the entire lawsuit was about money."The truth will always be the truth and it's easy to believe the lies, especially when playing the victim card. [Akira] may have won the battle but not the war. God will have the final say."Kennard said Akira "knew her marriage was over" and claimed she had nothing to do with their split. She added that she could not be the reason for a relationship that had already fallen apart years before. Kennard represented herself during the trial and spoke directly to the jury during closing arguments.She told the court that she was not to blame for Timothy and Akira's failed marriage and said the couple had already been living separate lives. "Their marriage had been falling apart for years," Kennard told the court. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHer partner, Timothy, also released his own statement after the verdict. He called the ruling "absolutely outrageous" and accused Akira’s lawyers of "pulling the sympathy card" to win the jury's support. Timothy said that his marriage had not been built on love for a long time."It’s easy to make someone out to be the villain when you don’t want to face the truth or take accountability. The marriage was NOT full of genuine love. All parties involved know that. God will get the glory."Meanwhile, Akira's lawyer said the evidence clearly showed Kennard’s actions damaged Akira and her children emotionally. She said,"This case was not about vengeance. It was about accountability."Brenay Kennard, who posts lifestyle videos on TikTok and Instagram, has not stated whether she plans to appeal. Her social media still contains some videos with Timothy, but she has not commented publicly about the case since the ruling.The case has gained a lot of attention online due to the bizarre nature of a social media personality being sued, as many were surprised to learn that such a law, like alienation of affection, exists.As of now, Akira has not made any comments to the media about the payment or about pursuing any further legal action. Supporters online empathized, and others asked if such laws even should exist.Brenay Kennard sparked online debateThe ruling against Brenay Kennard has started a larger conversation about privacy, marriage, and the role of social media in modern relationships. Many people have shared opinions on TikTok and X, with some saying Akira deserved justice, while others believe the law is outdated. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostExperts say that "alienation of affection" laws were created long before social media existed and are rarely used today. But North Carolina's courts still allow such cases, especially if there is clear proof that someone intentionally interfered in a marriage.Legal analysts have said this case may inspire more people to consider suing for alienation of affection, especially when social media evidence is involved. The public nature of Brenay Kennard's posts played a large role in how the jury viewed her actions, according to people who followed the trial closely. For now, followers of the case have to wait to find out what the further developments in this case.