In a dramatic turn of events, prosecutors have tracked down the individual they believe attempted to extort comedian Kevin Hart.
This alleged scheme revolved around a purported s tape that threatened to tarnish Hart’s reputation and his relationship with his then-pregnant wife.
The accused, Jonathan Todd Jackson, also known as Action Jackson, is facing serious charges, including one count of attempted blackmail and another for coercion via threatening letters, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
The accusations stem from an incident in August when Jackson allegedly sought an undisclosed sum of money from Hart.
Reports suggest that Jackson had a video in his possession, which purportedly showed Hart getting cozy with a woman in Las Vegas.
This footage was rumored to be shopped around to various celebrity news outlets, putting Hart in a precarious position.
In a candid Instagram post back in September, Hart opened up about what he described as a “terrible mistake in judgment.” He expressed deep remorse towards his pregnant wife, Eniko Parrish, and their children for his reckless behavior.
Hart acknowledged that he was being targeted by an unidentified individual seeking financial gain due to his past mistakes.
Jackson, who has known Hart for many years, is scheduled to appear in court soon.
Prosecutors are recommending a bail amount of $100,000, and if convicted, Jackson could face a maximum sentence of four years behind bars.
The stakes are high, and the drama is far from over.
Adding another layer to this unfolding saga, Hart is also being sued by the woman at the center of the alleged extortion plot, Montia Sabag.
She is pursuing a staggering $60 million in damages, claiming intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and invasion of privacy.
This lawsuit, as revealed in court documents, paints a complex picture of the events that transpired.
Back in 2017, Hart took to Instagram to reveal that someone was attempting to blackmail him with a compromising video involving Sabag.
While Jackson was arrested and charged, he has consistently denied the allegations of extortion against Hart.
Yet, the legal battle continues to escalate.
Sabag’s claims in court documents suggest that Hart was aware of a hidden camera in the hotel room and allowed Jackson access to film without her consent.
She alleges that this incident was orchestrated to promote Hart’s successful comedy tour, which was breaking records at the time, thereby boosting his public profile.
In the wake of these allegations, Hart publicly apologized to his then-pregnant wife and children, stating that Jackson was trying to extort him.
The FBI even got involved, investigating the alleged extortion attempt that rocked Hart’s personal life.
Hart has openly admitted to his infidelity, acknowledging the mess he found himself in.
In a revealing interview with Power 105.1 FM’s The Breakfast Club, he stated, “I’m guilty of infidelity no matter how it played out.” He reflected on the situation as one of the lowest points in his life, emphasizing the consequences of his actions.
The fallout from this scandal has been significant, not just for Hart but for all parties involved.
Sabag, who came forward in a press conference in 2017, insisted she was not a villain in this narrative, distancing herself from the drama surrounding the leaked footage.
As Hart navigates the aftermath of both personal and legal challenges, he is also recovering from a serious car accident that left him with significant back injuries.
This incident adds another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous life.
With the court proceedings set to unfold, all eyes will be on the developments regarding Jackson’s case and Hart’s ongoing battles.