What Can We Learn From Kevin Hart?

It all started in 2023 when Kevin Hart’s FORMER assistant spilled the beans on a YouTube channel. Hart and his company sued both the former assistant and the YouTube channel for defamation, breach of contract and extortion. It turns out that when the assistant left Hart’s employment, she signed an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). The assistant claimed that the NDA is no bueno as she was experiencing significant mental health issues and financial distress when she signed the agreement. It’s also reported that the NDA had some notarial issues (and that’s why we’re in this story).

So, what can we learn from this former employee’s tale of telling all?

We can discuss whether a notary can notarize a document for an individual with an expired identification. Yes! In the Sunshine State, a notary can accept an expired ID (like a driver’s license or state ID) if it was issued within the last five years and includes a serial or identifying number. If the ID is expired by more than 5 years, the notary will need another acceptable ID or a credible witness affidavit.  Acceptable IDs also include passports, U.S. military IDs, and certain other official documents, but the 5-year rule applies to state-issued IDs. 

As to Hart, In January 2024, a judge denied Hart’s request for a temporary restraining order to have the interview removed from online platforms and in July 2025, an LA Superior Court judge dismissed Hart’s remaining claims against his former employee without prejudice (meaning Hart can re-file the case later under appropriate legal circumstances).  

So, there you have it. We learn that you need to be mindful who you tell your business to and that a FL notary can rely on an expired state identification in some cases.