Kevin Hart faces a $12 million lawsuit from his friend Jonathan Jackson. Jackson claims Hart failed to honor a settlement agreement related to the extortion attempt with the sex tape. The lawsuit, obtained by Rolling Stone, claims that Hart’s Instagram post in 2021 violated the terms of their contract, which required Hart to use specific wording to publicly clear Jackson of any wrongdoing
Background on the extortion case
In 2017, Kevin Hart pleaded guilty to making a “bad error in judgment” on social media, which led to attempted bullying. Someone tried to blackmail Hart, threatening to release a video of Hart having sex with a woman in Las Vegas. The revelation shocked Hart’s fans and the public.
Things fell apart a year later when Hart’s friend Jonathan Jackson was arrested for attempted rape. Jackson was accused of secretly recording the video and using it to slam the comedian. Jackson denied the charges, which were later dropped for lack of evidence.
Settlement Agreements and Breaches
In 2021, Hart shared a video on Instagram saying he was excited to move on from the incident. But the position is now central to Jackson’s new lawsuit. The article claims Hart and Jackson “communicated perfectly” and signed the deal three months before Hart’s Instagram post.
The agreement requires Hart to use specific language in his public statements to keep Jackson’s reputation completely clear. According to the lawsuit, Hart’s position did not meet these requirements. Rather, it was designed more as the end of Hart’s chapter of life than as the clear and unequivocal acquittal of innocent Jackson.
Details in the lawsuit
Jackson’s lawsuit argues that the wording of Hart’s statement was critical to clearing Jackson’s reputation, which was severely damaged by embezzlement charges The court accuses Hart of “flagrant breach of contract by terms that the failure to comply.
The lawsuit asserts that the specific language was necessary to publicly exonerate Jackson and mitigate the damage caused by the extortion charges. By failing to do so, Hart’s post reportedly damaged the mood of the deal, and tarnished Jackson’s reputation.
Hart’s silence and other comments
To date, representatives for Kevin Hart have not responded to requests for comment. The comedian has kept quiet on the matter, focusing on other aspects of his career.
Earlier this year, Hart defended his friend Dave Chappelle, advising critics who don’t like Chappelle’s comments to just not watch. Hart emphasized that people should choose what they see and not criticize what they don’t like.
In another story, Hart revealed that he “almost died” in a horrific plane crash. He described how the back of the plane gave way on landing. The front wheel collapsed, and flames shot out of the fuselage. Hart described that moment as a life-changing experience, where he realized that if it ended there, he was happy with his life.
Jonathan Jackson’s lawsuit against Kevin Hart highlights the complexity of the personal-professional relationship. The case highlights the importance of honoring contracts and the impact of publicity on individual reputations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching to see how this dispute between the two former friends will be handled properly.
