Kevin Hart’s media company Hartbeat under fire as former staff raise concerns
Former employees claim Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat is facing internal turmoil after major layoffs
Kevin Hart’s media company, Hartbeat, is facing renewed scrutiny as former employees and insiders raise concerns about leadership decisions, layoffs, and the comedian’s reduced day-to-day involvement in the business.
According to reporting from RadarOnline, the company, once valued at approximately $650 million, went through significant restructuring around Thanksgiving last year, when roughly 20 employees were laid off, representing about a quarter of its workforce.
At the time, Hart defended the decision, stating that “making money in the business is important” and describing the move as a necessary downsizing to “save money.”
Further staffing reductions reportedly followed in the months after, particularly across podcasting and scripted television divisions, deepening uncertainty within the company.
Hart, who returned to a more active CEO role in January 2025 after a wave of executive departures, had pledged to stabilize Hartbeat and guide a renewed strategic direction.
However, multiple sources cited in the report allege that he later became increasingly absent from day-to-day operations, missing meetings and delegating responsibilities to senior executives over extended periods.
Employees reportedly described a growing sense that Hart was distancing himself from the company during a critical restructuring phase.
In January, Hart also sold commercial rights to his name along with a stake in Hartbeat to licensing firm Authentic Brands Group, a move that fueled further speculation about the long-term direction of the company.
Tensions escalated further when Hartbeat filed a lawsuit against former staffers Eric Eddings and Lesley Gwam, alleging breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets after they launched a competing venture.
A former executive assistant, Miesha Shakes, criticized the legal action, calling it an attempt to block former employees from moving forward professionally.
Meanwhile, an unnamed source quoted in the report claimed the situation reflects deeper internal strain, alleging that “greed” and financial pressure have contributed to instability within the company.
Hartbeat has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
