Kevin Hart is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to uphold a settlement agreement meant to clear his former friend Jonathan “J.T.” Jackson’s name. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, claims Hart botched a settlement that required him to share an agreed-upon statement proclaiming Jackson’s innocence. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Hart of providing fake evidence to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, leading to Jackson being charged with extortion.

The lawsuit, which also names Hart’s company Hartbeat, seeks at least $12 million and includes claims of fraud and breach of contract. The core of the complaint revolves around Hart’s handling of a 2018 extortion case involving Jackson.

Background of the Extortion Case

In 2018, Jackson was charged with attempting to extort Hart using a videotape showing Hart engaged in sexual activities with a woman who was not his wife. In response, Hart released a docuseries in 2019 titled Don’t F**k This Up, in which he accused Jackson of creating and distributing the tape. The situation led to a legal battle, culminating in a 2021 settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the settlement, Hart was required to seek the dismissal of all criminal charges against Jackson and issue a public statement exonerating him. The agreed-upon statement was supposed to declare, “I’m proud to say that all charges against J.T. Jackson have been dropped and he is not guilty and had nothing to do with it.”

Controversial Public Statement

Instead of the agreed-upon statement, Hart issued a different message, saying Jackson had “recently been found not guilty, and those charges have been dropped against him.” He added, “I can say I’m happy that that chapter of my life is over. This message is about moving on.”

Jackson’s lawsuit argues that Hart’s deviation from the agreed language undermined the settlement’s intention to clear his name and restore his reputation. The complaint describes Hart’s actions as a “profound and egregious breach,” claiming it severely damaged Jackson’s career and public image.

Allegations of Fabricated Evidence

The lawsuit also alleges that Hart fabricated an email that was sent by his lawyers to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. This email reportedly led to prosecutors raiding Jackson’s house. According to the complaint, forensic analysis revealed that the email, purportedly created in April 2018, was actually generated in May 2019, over a year after the alleged extortion attempt.

Hart’s company, Hartbeat, has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

The legal battle between Hart and Jackson highlights the complexities and consequences of public and private disputes involving high-profile individuals. As the case unfolds, it will likely draw significant attention, given Hart’s celebrity status and the serious nature of the allegations.