Kevin Hart's Deal with Authentic Brands Group Raises Concerns Among Hartbeat Employees
Kevin Hart has recently made a deal with Authentic Brands Group, selling a portion of his Hartbeat empire and his name. This move has raised concerns among Hartbeat employees who fear potential downsizing. Over the past year, Hartbeat has seen multiple executive layoffs, with the company's value dropping from $650 million. President Jeff Clanagan and CFO Eric Stoneburner have taken on more significant roles in the company as Hart's involvement has decreased. Clanagan has reportedly been pushing for more AI-generated projects within the company.
In December 2025, Hartbeat underwent another round of layoffs, affecting key members of the scripted division, marketing, brand partnerships, and social media teams. Former employees Eric Eddings and Lesley Gwam, who were working on audio podcasts not involving Hart, were fired after allegedly planning to start their production company. The company accused them of stealing trade secrets and breaching their contracts. Additionally, Tiffany Brown and Mike Stein, heads of Hartbeat's TV division, were let go while working on projects like a Barbershop TV adaptation and the second season of the animated show Lil Kev.
Hartbeat was initially created through a merger with Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Productions to work on various film, TV, short-form video, and advertising projects. While Hart was expected to appear in some Hartbeat content, the company aimed for sustainability without relying heavily on his presence. The recent Bloomberg report coincided with the release of Netflix's The Roast of Kevin Hart, featuring comedians like Katt Williams, Tom Brady, Pete Davidson, and Chelsea Handler.
In conclusion, Kevin Hart's recent business dealings with Authentic Brands Group have sparked concerns among Hartbeat employees about potential downsizing. The company has experienced multiple executive layoffs and changes in leadership, raising questions about its future direction and stability.