Steve Harvey says he’s developed “alligator skin” to handle public criticism. Yet, as he shared recently, some things are harder to ignore—especially ongoing scrutiny of his love life and past marriages.
The 67-year-old comedian, author, and Family Feud host has been the subject of ongoing gossip surrounding his relationships, including two divorces and persistent rumors about his current marriage. Steve shares three children with his first wife, Marcia Harvey, and has another son, Wynton, from his second marriage to Mary Shackleford. In a 2012 interview, Shackleford claimed that Steve left her financially devastated after their 2005 divorce, describing him as a “man of power and authority” who allegedly used his influence to gain the upper hand in court. Her statements have left fans questioning Steve’s character.
Recent rumors have also suggested trouble in his 18-year marriage to Marjorie Harvey, with allegations of her infidelity with a bodyguard and personal chef. Steve has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the rumors are unfounded. Speaking at Invest Fest 2023 in Atlanta, he addressed the gossip, saying, “I’m not in the teardown business. I’m in the uplift business regardless as to what you say… I ain’t done half the stuff they say I do, but that’s a part of the process.”
In addition to defending his marriage, Steve has had to confront accusations from fellow comedian Katt Williams, who accused him of being a “joke thief” and “an enemy in disguise” in an explosive Club Shay Shay interview. Williams also revived old rumors that Steve tried to sabotage his Original Kings of Comedy co-star Bernie Mac by allegedly encouraging Ocean’s Eleven producers to cast him over Mac. Addressing these claims in the VICE series Black Comedy in America, Steve insisted there was no bad blood between him and Mac, asserting that the rumors are false.
Despite the criticisms, Steve remains steadfast, reminding his detractors that “a hater’s job” is simply “to rob you of your destiny.” He added, “You’ve never had a hater that’s doing better than you. Ever… Haters are not decision-makers, powerbrokers, or shakers and movers. They just haters.”
Social media has been a mixed bag for the comedian, with some users expressing disdain for his past actions. One Twitter user wrote, “Steve Harvey rubs me so wrong. He treated his first wife like s—t I know he treated Bernie like s—t.” Another added, “Steve Harvey cheated on his wife in secret but was telling everyone she was cheating on him causing people to cut her off.”
In the face of these remarks, Steve maintains a focus on resilience. He shared that, although the criticisms and rumors have taken a toll, he’s committed to staying true to his values and continuing to move forward.