Comedian Kevin Hart is taking legal action against controversial YouTuber LaTasha Kebe, known as Tasha K, accusing her of extortion. The lawsuit alleges that Kebe threatened to release a damaging interview with Hart’s former assistant, Miesha Shakes, unless he paid a six-figure ransom.
In November 2023, Kebe recorded an interview with Shakes, during which Shakes made false and defamatory statements about Hart. Following the interview, an alleged affiliate of Kebe contacted Hart’s team, demanding $250,000 to prevent the release of the interview, claiming that its content could harm Hart’s reputation.
Hart asserts that Kebe posted a teaser for the interview, emphasizing its salacious and damaging nature as a threat to him for not paying the ransom. The teaser included a statement from Kebe warning that they would obtain money “by any means necessary.”
Subsequently, Hart’s team contacted the police and issued a cease and desist letter to Kebe, highlighting that Shakes had previously signed Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements while working for Hart from 2017 to 2020. Despite this, Kebe proceeded to release the full interview on her subscription-based website on Dec. 22.
In the interview, Shakes discussed various legal disputes involving Hart, alleging a gambling addiction and habitual infidelity. Hart is now suing both Kebe and Shakes for extortion and invasion of privacy. Additionally, he is suing Shakes for breach of contract and defamation, and Kebe for intentional interference with contractual relations.
Despite requests for comment, representatives for Hart and Kebe have not responded. Notably, this isn’t the first time Kebe has faced legal issues, as highlighted in the lawsuit referring to her defamation lawsuit loss against Cardi B in 2019, where damages exceeded $3 million.
The lawsuit emphasizes Kebe’s history of producing defamatory content about celebrities, including Cardi B. The rapper had sued Kebe for posting videos with false claims about her personal life, leading to a substantial legal victory in January 2022.
Hart’s legal team underscores Kebe’s problematic history and her financial challenges, as she filed for bankruptcy after the Cardi B defamation case. The judge ruled against using bankruptcy to evade paying damages.
This recent legal action by Hart sheds light on the complexities of dealing with online personalities who engage in defamatory practices, aiming to hold them accountable for their actions.
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