Kevin Hart is facing new controversy, and this time, the criticism is coming from someone who once worked closely by his side. The comedian and actor is currently navigating growing legal turmoil surrounding his Hartbeat production company, but now Kevin Hart’s former executive assistant is speaking out with explosive claims, alleging the star has spent years keeping things behind closed doors.
Kevin Hart’s Ex-Assistant Speaks Out Amid Hartbeat Lawsuit
Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s production company, has recently found itself under scrutiny following layoffs, internal shakeups, and an ongoing legal battle involving former employees.
In February, Hartbeat filed a lawsuit against former staffers Eric Eddings and Lesley Gwam, accusing them of breach of contract, unfair business practices, and misappropriation of trade secrets tied to the company’s podcast division. However, the former employees have denied wrongdoing and pushed back against Hartbeat’s request for an injunction, insisting there is no evidence they improperly used confidential information.
As the legal fight continues, Hart’s former executive assistant, Miesha Shakes, said the turmoil surrounding the company doesn’t surprise her.
Miesha Shakes Claims Kevin Hart Has Been ‘Hiding Secrets Forever’
Shakes, who worked for Hart from 2017 until 2020, did not hold back while discussing the current drama. “Being a former executive assistant of Kevin Hart, this does not surprise me at all, because Kevin’s been hiding secrets, and you know, he’s been hiding things forever and nothing has ever been exposed,” she told Daily Mail.
She also accused the comedian of allowing money to overshadow business relationships. “It’s just unfortunate that a business relationship has to get ruined over somebody being greedy,” she claimed. “How much money do you have to have until you say it’s enough?”
“A person can tell you that they’re here for you and then when you try to be successful outside on your own outside of their company, they’re not really there for you… It’s just unfortunate, it’s sad and this is a situation of when greed goes too far,” she added. “We’re just seeing Kevin spiral out of control it seems like due to money.”
Former Employees Question Hartbeat’s Direction
Shakes isn’t the only former Hartbeat employee raising concerns. Another ex-staffer, who is not involved in the lawsuit, reportedly described the legal battle against Eddings and Gwam as “vindictive and unnecessary.”
“I think that Lesley and Eric are almost certainly in the right,” the former employee said. “They’re both very smart. They are straight shooters, and I think that they saw the writing on the wall in terms of the direction the company’s going.”
The former employee also claimed there had been growing concerns internally following layoffs, with some workers allegedly fearing the company was struggling to find its long-term direction. “The reality is the industry changed,” they said. “It’s pulled back. [Hartbeat] was overleveraged in terms of overhead commitments, and it was built in such a way that it was going to be challenging even in the best of circumstances.”
Hartbeat Has Faced Layoffs And Questions About Its Future
The company’s troubles reportedly intensified after Hartbeat partnered with Authentic Brands Group, a move some former employees allegedly worried could mark “the beginning of the end of Hartbeat.” Reports have also surfaced claiming that at least 12 employees were laid off in December amid financial restructuring.
During a May 26 appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Hart addressed downsizing at the company, explaining that difficult financial decisions had to be made. “Making money in the business is important,” Hart said, adding that he ultimately chose to “downsize and save the money.”
Still, Hart insisted his production company isn’t going anywhere. “Hartbeat is never going anywhere,” he said.
Kevin Hart Is Also Facing Other Legal And Public Controversies
The Hartbeat turmoil comes as Hart continues to deal with separate legal issues and public criticism. Earlier this month, Hart faced backlash after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a controversial joke about George Floyd during “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” a Netflix special produced by Hartbeat.
While Hart admitted the joke was distasteful, he defended his decision not to intervene during the live event. “It’s a live production. I’m not compromising the live production for a reaction of what? What do you want me to do? I’m going to drag him off? You want me to fight afterwards? That’s not what I agreed to do.”
Meanwhile, Shakes, who recently released her book “Truth, Lies, Entertainment,” said she believes fans are frustrated by Hart’s response. “Right now, you see what’s going on with him and the Kevin Hart roast, it’s not about the joke,” she said. “We want him to stand up for the Black culture, and we can’t even get an apology out of him. So Kevin is really disappointing right now, he really is.”