Kevin Hart’s business empire is no laughing matter. Behind the polished red carpet appearances and Netflix specials, his media company Hartbeat is reportedly in serious turmoil. According to a new report, the once-booming enterprise has been gutted by multiple rounds of layoffs, executive shakeups, stalled projects, and even legal warfare. The comedy mogul who built a $650 million brand is now facing questions about whether the foundation is cracking.
In January, Hart struck a quiet deal with Authentic Brands Group, the company behind celebrity empires for Shaquille O’Neal and David Beckham. The announcement read like a power move. But internally, employees allegedly saw it differently. The deal gave Hart cash to buy out his private equity partner and move his endorsement business into Authentic’s hands. That was the moment many feared the beginning of the end.
Employees describe a founder who became increasingly removed from day-to-day operations. Hart allegedly focused on filming movies and other projects while a small group of executives tried to steer the ship. As Hollywood spending cooled, projects not directly involving Hart became harder to sell. Several planned podcasts and productions never launched. Layoffs continued piling up through late 2024 and into this year.
The report also describes growing tension involving senior executive Jeff Clanagan, who allegedly pushed employees to support outside ventures tied to his own businesses and AI-driven projects. Meanwhile, the company’s podcast division spiraled into legal warfare. Two executives were fired and later sued for alleged breach of contract and trade-secret theft. A judge rejected part of the company’s request for an injunction, reportedly calling the claims too “vague” and “overly broad.”
Hart’s camp has not responded to requests for comment. The silence leaves questions unanswered. Can the comedian pivot back into his company and restore stability? Or is the empire he built already beyond the punchline? For now, Hartbeat is still standing. But the walls appear to be shaking.
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