Kevin Hart at the World Premiere Of Netflix's 'Lift'

Kevin Hart's Ex-Assistant Wants Her NDA Excluded In Defamation Lawsuit

Home / News / Kevin Hart's Ex-Assistant Wants Her NDA Excluded In Defamation Lawsuit

By Afouda Bamidele on July 3, 2024 at 6:45 PM EDT

The plot thickens in Kevin Hart's ongoing defamation case with his former assistant, Miesha Shakes.

The former employee is now seeking to challenge a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) as part of the lawsuit, which may expose new details in the case. 

Just when things seemed to settle down after Kevin Hart sued Miesha Shakes for defamation, his ex-assistant has thrown a curveball into the mix!  

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Kevin Hart's Ex-Assistant Fights Back In Defamation Drama

Kevin Hart seen arriving at Global Studios. Capital Breakfast Show in London
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According to court documents submitted as part of her lawsuit, the NDA stipulated that Hart would pay Shakes $30,000 annually for three years and provide her with health insurance. 

In return, Shakes agreed not to discuss the actor or disclose any information she acquired while working for him. The agreement also prohibited her from exploiting Hart's name without his consent.

However, Shakes, who served as the star's assistant from 2017 to 2020, is now arguing that the NDA should not be upheld in their legal dispute.

The ex-employee is citing mental health issues she claims to have experienced at the time of signing. In a recent declaration obtained by In Touch, Shakes stated:

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"At the time of signing the NDA, I was suffering from significant mental health issues and was under considerable financial distress due to my unemployment. Hart was fully aware of my ongoing health issues and critical need for health insurance and funds, as I could not afford health insurance or my prescribed medications."

Shakes explained that when she signed the NDA, she was not aware of the "confidentiality clause" and was under the impression that it was primarily a mutual release agreement. 

She claimed that Hart informed her that signing the document would "benefit me and my family."

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The Comedian's Lawsuit Included YouTuber Tasha K

Tasha K Owes Cardi B $3 Million, So She Filed For Bankruptcy
Instagram | Tasha K

The legal drama between Hart and his ex-assistant began in December when he filed a lawsuit against controversial YouTuber Tasha K, accusing her of extortion. 

Hart claims Tasha K threatened to release a bombshell interview with his former assistant unless he paid her $250,000.

According to legal documents obtained by The Blast, Hart's legal team sent a letter to Tasha K, whose real name is Latasha Transrina Kebe, on November 22, 2023.

The letter addressed her "recent and ongoing violations of civil and criminal law" and demanded she "immediately cease and desist all such activity."

The letter warned Tasha K that her actions constituted "criminal conduct and tortious acts," making her liable for monetary damages.

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It emphasized that continuing these actions would only increase her "liability for such monetary damages will increase, as will your exposure to criminal penalties." 

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Hart's Legal Team Exposed Alleged Extortion Plot By Tasha K

Kevin Hart at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's Me Time
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Hart's legal representative, Donte Mills, detailed the incident where an individual claiming affiliation with Tasha K's blog contacted someone from the actor's team.

Allegedly following Tasha's instructions, the person noted they intended to "publish a damaging story on social media (the "Story")," before offering to withhold the story if Hart paid $250,000.

The legal documents state that this attempt falls "under Penal Code Section 518," which addresses extortion and provides grounds for both criminal and civil liability.

The letter called Tasha K's actions a "textbook example" of extortion, highlighting her "effort to extract payment" by "threatening exposure of information supposedly harmful to him."

Kevin Hart's Ex-Wife Clears The Air On Katt Williams Feud 

Torrei Hart attends the 30th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala
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After Hart's legal showdown with Tasha K, the spotlight turned to his ex-wife, Torrei Hart, who debunked rumors of a feud between her ex and Katt Williams.

Williams, slated to tour with Torrei, had sparked controversy with his allegations against Hart and other comedians during a viral appearance on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast.

The Blast reported that while exiting the Hollywood Improv in January, Torrei attempted to clear the air about the alleged tensions.

Torrei revealed that Hart was in full support of her participation in the three-night tour with Williams. She also emphasized their nearly two-decade-long friendship, dismissing any notion of conspiracy.

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At the same time, Hart showed his unwavering support, expressing his love for all comedians and his hopes for the success of Torrei and Williams' tour.

Kevin Hart Fired Back At Katt Williams

Katt Williams at Netflix's 'Def Comedy Jam 25' Special Event
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While Hart's ex-wife, Torrei, was clearing up rumors of a feud, the actor himself did not hesitate to address the tension directly.

After Williams had previously labeled Hart an "industry plant," the father-of-four fired back at Williams with some playful jabs during a guest appearance on "NBA Unplugged."

"Another fun fact about the New York Knicks, I don't know if you guys know this, but Katt Williams bought the Knicks. And it's rumored that he took the Knicks back and returned them with a receipt," Hart quipped, adding a humorous twist to the tension.

The "Ride Along" star also claimed that Williams was the first person ever to do such a thing, joking that the purchase only lasted for 15 days before Williams returned the team.

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