In a dramatic case that has captured public attention, a North Carolina woman, Akira Montigue, has filed a $3.5 million lawsuit against TikTok star Brnee Canard, alleging that the influencer’s affair with her ex-husband led to the collapse of their marriage. The lawsuit, which hinges on uncommon legal grounds of “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation,” has revealed intense emotional undercurrents and contentious courtroom exchanges.
The trial, which took place in Durham County, centered around claims that Canard, who has amassed a significant following on social media, engaged in a romantic relationship with Montigue’s husband, Tim, while he was still married. North Carolina is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows individuals to sue for alienation of affection, where plaintiffs must prove that a genuine love existed in the marriage, that a third party intentionally interfered, and that this interference caused the marriage to deteriorate.
Montigue’s allegations suggest that Canard flaunted her relationship with Tim on social media, including posting videos and pictures that implicated their affair. The lawsuit claims that Montigue learned of the affair through a video posted by Canard in January 2024, prompting her legal action.
The courtroom drama intensified as Canard represented herself in trial, leading to a series of direct confrontations with Montigue. Testimonies revealed conflicting narratives about the state of Montigue and Tim’s marriage. While Montigue described a relationship filled with love, affection, and daily communication, Tim painted a starkly different picture, characterizing their marriage as one more akin to a roommate situation. His testimony included claims that he had never been in love with Montigue and that their marriage was largely functional rather than romantic.
The trial also featured testimony from Montigue’s grandmother, who recounted confrontations with Canard, alleging threats made during their interactions. Additionally, evidence presented included social media clips of Canard and Tim, which the jury found unsettling, further complicating Canard’s defense.
The jury deliberated for nearly two hours before returning a verdict in favor of Montigue, awarding her $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250,000 for criminal conversation. While the total damages fell short of the requested $3.5 million, the jury’s decision was a significant win for Montigue, who expressed relief at receiving justice after losing her husband and the father of her children.
Legal experts have noted the rarity of such cases, emphasizing the challenges in proving alienation of affection due to the necessity of demonstrating that the marriage was still viable at the time of the alleged interference. This case has reignited discussions about the emotional complexities of relationships and the legal ramifications of infidelity.
In the aftermath of the trial, Montigue’s attorney stated that the ruling serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of extramarital affairs, while Canard’s legal strategy and portrayal of the events have sparked debate about the influence of social media on personal relationships.
As this unusual case unfolds, it highlights the intersection of modern relationships and traditional legal principles, leaving a lasting impact on all parties involved.
