“Do you think, at this stage in your career, being Kevin Hart’s ex-wife helps or hinders your career as a comedian? Honestly, I believe it’s been more of a hindrance than a help. It feels like a lingering shadow, you know? True fans recognize that. That’s why I have to give credit to Cat Williams for giving me opportunities, like performing in front of 30,000 at the Microsoft arena. He knows my talent personally. Tory Hart has been vocal about how Cat Williams has propelled her career in ways her marriage to Kevin Hart never did. But did they join forces just to take down Kevin Hart? People have approached me, questioning my association with ‘the Ops.’ I’ve had to set the record straight, saying, ‘Listen, first of all, I’ve been through some tough times with Kevin. I’ve been treated unfairly.’ Now, with Cat in the picture, the shade is real, folks. You might have noticed Tori and Cat collaborating, and it seems they’ll continue to do so. Tori’s already booked for three shows on Cat Williams’s Dark Matter tour: Charlotte on January 27th, Orlando on February 2nd, and Tampa on February 3rd. But here’s the twist: considering the tension between Cat Williams and Tori’s ex, Kevin, opinions are divided.”
It’s a new dynamic to see Tori collaborating closely with Cat. However, Tori is adamant about acknowledging the pivotal support figures like Cat Williams provided her, crediting them with kickstarting her comedy career. Reflecting on an interview from August 2023, Tori openly discussed how her marriage to Kevin Hart acted as a hindrance rather than a boost to her career. Growing up in a household immersed in the comedic stylings of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, Tori reminisced about attending Kevin’s inaugural comedy show. Initially deemed his “good luck charm” after his successful debut, she delved into her journey of attending numerous comedy events, garnering support from industry veterans like Cat Williams, Earthquake, and Martin Lawrence. Despite this support network, Tori emphasized that Kevin only served as an impediment to her career advancement, a sentiment underscored by his infidelity, including with his current wife, Eniko Hart. Eniko’s public forgiveness of Kevin for his transgressions shed light on the timeline of Kevin and Tori’s separation, adding another layer to their tumultuous relationship. When questioned about Kevin’s potential for future infidelity, Tori remained neutral, drawing from her own experience to caution against making definitive judgments. The recent spotlight on conflicts between Cat Williams and Kevin Hart has fueled skepticism about Tori’s alignment with Cat, particularly given Cat’s pointed remarks about Kevin’s rise in the industry. Cat’s assertions, such as labeling Kevin an “industry plant,” cast doubt on the authenticity of Kevin’s success, suggesting that it was preordained rather than earned through merit. These controversies surrounding Kevin’s career trajectory further complicate Tori’s professional associations, prompting scrutiny from observers who question the integrity of her alliances.
Have you ever heard of a comedian who arrived in LA and within his first year landed his own sitcom on network television and starred in his own movie titled “Soul Plan”? No, that person doesn’t ring a bell, and it seems they’ve remained under the radar since then. Speaking of plants, the comments even caught Kevin’s attention, prompting him to offer a lackluster retort on ESPN’s NBA Unplugged, suggesting that Cat tends to embellish. And here’s an interesting tidbit about the New York Knicks — did you know Cat Williams supposedly bought the team? Rumor has it he returned them with a receipt afterward. It’s widely known that Cat Williams has an NBA basketball court in his room, being one of the first to truly embrace hardwood flooring. Remember when Kevin Hart responded, labeling Cat Williams’ comments as “sad”? It seems Kevin might have been stung by the call-out during the interview, as he’s revisited the issue multiple times, indicating Cat really struck a nerve. But as they say, you don’t join the circus, you simply watch it. You see the lion riding the bike and think, “Well, that’s wild,” then move on with your day. I don’t get caught up in that stuff. It’s all just entertainment, after all. Besides the remarks made on Club Shay, Cat has taken jabs at Kevin before, like suggesting he participated in the dress ritual, contradicting his earlier stance. According to Cat, black actors are pressured into wearing dresses on screen to demean them, even calling out figures like Kevin Hart who have gone through with it. And on an unexpected note, the new pope is reportedly 9-year-old Oscar nominee Ken Wallace. Quite the surprise, isn’t it?
To some extent, I understand why some people might perceive Tori’s collaboration with Cat Williams as aligning with her ex’s adversaries, given his open declarations against him. However, Tori recently reiterated her pride in working with Cat Williams. In a social media post where she addressed concerns about her association with the opposition, she confidently displayed the earnings from her gigs and responded, “Working with the Ops? So you’re telling me I’m working with the Ops? Well, I guess I’m working with the Ops then.” Tori emphasized that her partnership with Cat is strictly professional, citing their longstanding friendship and previous touring experiences. She recounted their history, emphasizing their two-decade-long bond, even mentioning instances like Cat babysitting her dog years ago.
During an appearance on the Pettish podcast, Tori reiterated her friendship with Cat, spanning over 20 years, and questioned why their collaboration should be seen as problematic. She highlighted Cat’s prior support and asserted that their current venture isn’t unprecedented. Despite facing backlash for her association with Cat, Tori maintains that it’s not a significant issue for her.
Addressing another point of contention, Tori explained her decision to retain her ex-husband’s last name, “Heart,” despite their separation. Prior to marrying Kevin, her surname was Skipper. Tori revealed that she faced teasing due to her previous surname and has contributed significantly to the “Heart” brand during Kevin’s early career. She asserts that her efforts played a crucial role in Kevin’s success, even though the recognition didn’t translate to her own success during their marriage.
When asked about Tori’s collaboration with Cat, Kevin expressed his support, emphasizing that his success is separate from hers and wishing everyone well. His response suggests that he harbors no ill will towards Tori for her professional endeavors, including her partnership with Cat.
In conclusion, Tori’s decision to work with Cat Williams is framed as a professional choice, rooted in a longstanding friendship and mutual respect. Despite criticism and speculation, Tori maintains that her collaboration with Cat is purely business, while also addressing her reasons for retaining her marital last name. Kevin’s response indicates his support for Tori’s career decisions, reflecting an amicable post-divorce relationship. What are your thoughts on Tori’s collaboration with Cat and the dynamics of her career compared to Kevin’s? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
