Don't mess with Kevin Hart. The Think Like a Man actor took to his Instagram on Thursday, Dec. 11, to defend himself after leaked emails between Sony execs Michael Lynton, Clint Culpepper, and Amy Pascal revealed they were dissing Hart after he requested to be paid for a promotional tweet.
In the leaked emails — which also included racist remarks quipping President Obama probably likes Hart's film Ride Along — Culpepper allegedly wrote: "I’m not saying he’s a whore, but he’s a whore."
The studio exec continued to bash the actor and wrote: "It's not as if we paid him 3 [million] and 4 [million] respectively for his last 2 films thinking he might be nominated. We paid for his ability to open a film which included his social media savvy…I'm tempted to suggest we call his bluff. If he doesn't do his normal routine, his film will not open as well and his brand will appear diminished and he will — in fact — be f—ing himself because we have his next 2 immediate films."
Hart responded to the harsh emails and wrote on Instagram: "Knowing your self worth is extremely important people…I worked very hard to get where I am today. I look at myself as a brand and because of that I will never allow myself to be taking advantage of. I own my brand…I make smart decisions for my brand…I protect my brand…which is why I'm able to brush ignorance off of my shoulder and continue to move forward. I refuse to be broken people…with that being said, its now time for me to get back to building this empire that I've always dreamed of!"
Following the hot mess of a situation, Pascal released an apology. "The content of my emails to Scott were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am," her statement read. "Although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended."
Other celebrities attacked in emails included Joel McHale and Angelina Jolie, who was called a "minimally talented spoiled brat."
