In a surprising twist, comedian Kevin Hart is now embroiled in a $12 million lawsuit filed by his former friend Jonathan Jackson.
The legal battle stems from a 2017 scandal involving a leaked s tape that Hart discussed in a candid Instagram post back in October 2021.
Hart expressed relief at moving on from that chapter of his life, but Jackson claims that Hart’s remarks were anything but spontaneous.
According to Jackson’s 23-page complaint filed in Los Angeles, the Instagram video was part of a carefully orchestrated settlement agreement made nearly three months prior.
Jackson argues that Hart was legally bound to use specific language that would publicly clear his name.
This included an acknowledgment that all criminal charges against Jackson had been dismissed and that he had no involvement in any extortion plot.
Jackson, who is both a professional bowler and an actor, asserts that Hart was supposed to convey that their friendship was deeply affected by the scandal.
Specifically, Jackson claims Hart agreed to say something along the lines of, “I lost someone close to me that I loved, but I have a lot of love for him.” However, Hart’s actual statement fell short of that promise.
In the Instagram video, Hart announced that Jackson had been found not guilty and that the charges against him had been dropped.
While Hart did mention the end of their friendship, his words lacked the explicit declaration that Jackson was innocent of any wrongdoing.
Instead, Hart’s phrasing seemed more focused on his personal journey rather than addressing Jackson’s innocence.
The lawsuit, represented by attorney Daniel Reback, suggests that Hart’s failure to adhere to the agreed-upon wording undermined the intent of their settlement.
Jackson contends that Hart’s statements were crafted in a way that diminished the severity of the damage caused by the allegations that had previously been leveled against him.
The ongoing saga traces back to a trip Hart and Jackson took to Las Vegas in August 2017.
Shortly after their return, Hart’s then-pregnant wife, Eniko Parrish, received an anonymous message alleging her husband was unfaithful.
Included with the message was a link to a video showing Hart in a compromising situation, which was recorded without his consent.
In response to the scandal, Hart posted an emotional video on social media, apologizing to his family and admitting to a serious lapse in judgment.
He vowed that he would not allow anyone to profit from his mistakes.
However, shortly after his apology, someone using the handle MrJude threatened to release the video unless he received $5 million.
Within hours, the website Fameless.com published the illicit footage, prompting media outlets like TMZ to report that the FBI was investigating the extortion scheme.
This incident not only damaged Hart’s reputation but also had lasting repercussions on his relationship with Jackson.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises questions about the nature of celebrity accountability and the impact of public statements.
Jackson’s claims highlight the complexities of personal relationships entangled in public scandals, particularly when financial implications are involved.
With Hart facing a significant legal challenge, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
It serves as a stark reminder that even in the world of comedy and entertainment, the stakes can be incredibly high, and the consequences of one’s words can ripple far beyond the immediate moment.
As this drama continues to develop, fans and followers of both Hart and Jackson will undoubtedly be watching closely.
The legal landscape surrounding this case is intricate, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately affect their lives and careers.