Randy Kessler on Law&Crime to Discuss Alienation of Affections

Randy Kessler joins Jesse Webber on Law&Crime’s Sidebar to discuss Alienation of Affections, when a wife sues the girlfriend for stealing her husband.

In one of the few U.S. states that still recognizes alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims, a Durham County jury recently held social media influencer Bnee Canard liable for breaking up Akira-Angeles’ marriage to Tim Angeles. After a dramatic trial—where Canard represented herself and directly cross-examined the plaintiff—the jury awarded $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250,000 for criminal conversation, totaling $1.75 million.

Atlanta family law attorney Randy Kessler, who joined Jesse Weber on the Sidebar podcast to analyze the case, explained that these archaic torts (only available in about six states) require proof of genuine marital love, malicious interference by a third party, and resulting damages. While Georgia and most states eliminated these claims decades ago, North Carolina juries still enforce them vigorously when evidence shows deliberate interference.

Kessler noted the challenge of valuing emotional harm, the critical role of juror perception and likability, and how inflammatory evidence—like videos and confrontational testimony—likely swayed the outcome. “Trials often come down to who the jury wants to help,” he observed.

This high-profile verdict underscores that, in a handful of jurisdictions, homewreckers can still face substantial financial consequences.

Watch the video here.