One of black America's funniest men is embroiled in a messy alimony scandal -- and it's no laughing matter.The ex-wife of Steve Harvey, the nationally syndicated radio personality also known as one of 'The Original Kings of Comedy,' is crying foul for being duped into signing away her rights to his hefty fortune in a shady divorce deal.
Mary Lee Harvey (pictured right with the comic during happier times) is claiming that she was conned into a quickie separation of marriage devised by the entertainer and his attorney, Ricky Anderson -- who allegedly sought to keep private details about the comic's adultery, poor and neglectful parenting, and "physical and mental abuse" of his ex-spouse.
According to documents made available at TheSmokingGun.com, the former Mrs. Harvey filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20 claiming that she was defrauded by the comedian and the couple's longtime attorney, who represented both sides in the November 2005 proceedings.Talk about a raw deal.
The result was her being unaware of her rights to independent counsel and being severely shortchanged when it came to alimony, division of community property, and child support – which amounts to a paltry monthly payment of $1,000 for the couple's son.
Meanwhile Harvey, who hosted the nationally syndicated variety show 'Showtime at the Apollo' and fronted other TV shows throughout the years, is living happily ever after with another woman, Majorie Bridges (pictured left in July during the 2007 Essence Music Festival).The couple reportedly married during a family vacation to Hawaii.
Known to be highly outspoken about a number of subjects, the usually loud and proud member of the Omega Psi Phi black fraternity is surprisingly remaining mum about this dud of an alimony deal.
Elivra Guzman, a former radio station intern turned personal publicist for Harvey, didn't immediately respond to queries seeking comment from him.
When probed for a response, the flak retorted, "I am very nice person and I show everyone respect ... I do not understand why you continue to disrespect me and give me times lines."
To add injury to insult, she added: "I will simply not work with you if you continue to display this type of attitude."
Harvey, who is involved with a great and exciting community initiative with Walt Disney World Resorts (Disney Dreamers Academy), should be saying the same thing about her.
Comments: (422)
Add a comment
By: Ms. Ellie on 1/23/2008 1:33PM
Like it was said before, people are so quick to believe everthing the media reports. I didn't know you could put a price tag on love. There is many a single parent out here who would love to get a 1,000.00 dollars a month and some who have to live on less than that. Maybe we need to realize that life is not all about money.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ed on 1/28/2008 12:31AM
I will not judge steve but if this is true he is truely a hipocrit. He is always calling other men boys and always is calling for them to grow into a man with the lords help. Remember (steve) God don't like ugly. I pray this is not true!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Meg on 2/01/2008 10:45PM
Well, not surprising behavior from men in general and black men in particular. Typical.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: d. bridges on 2/03/2008 2:09PM
Thesmokinggun.com website, mentioned in this article, has the actual court docs. It's sad if she wasn't intelligent enough to know her rights & even more upsetting that he would take advantage of the situation & not take care of his responsibilities. They need our prayers. The new Mrs. Harvey better stay prayerful too. I'm praying that this doesn't change opinions of his "changed" life & the lives he may change.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Trisha on 2/03/2008 2:37PM
I feel we put too much emphasis on what happens in the personal lives of celebrities. First, as Christians, we should not be conversating about a person who is not there to defend their point of view/actions. Whatever Steve did or Mary did is not our business. Do we, as RESPONSIBLE adults, do all that is required of us in all situations? I sure don't and I am positive that a GREAT majority of you do not either!
Whatcha NEED ta do is pray for a Brother that IF these comments are true that he would have a change of heart.
On the other hand, if they are not, pray out the cycle of venom spitting gossip that has some of you about to have to repent for your actions, words or deeds.
BOY! WE CHRISTIANS! LOL!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Carmen on 2/14/2008 9:59AM
Steve Harvey is running a scam on the country..his first wife slept in cars with him and was with him through all the hard times...she deserves 1/2 of what ever he made and so does his child...someone talked about how his first wife looked...what a shame..she is sister who was tricked. The second wife better be a little bit smarter...I am sure she thought she was doing the right thing and protecting her son as well..STeve should just MAN UP and make this right.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ms. teaxs on 2/13/2008 1:45PM
Steve GOD is watching you and so are your fan's. Make this right so you can get on with you life! You are always talk about what you have so, take care of this business so we can keep loving you. Just this morning you said the black women are like black tea it does not get any better, well be a man of your words. I belive in you!!! Do the right thing take care of your ex, all good men do.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Carmen on 2/14/2008 10:11AM
HA HA HA..Steve HARVEY got pimped!! LOL He married a hustler..and a trick..lol Now WHO GOT JOKES!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Mrs. Jones on 2/14/2008 11:09AM
First of all I love Steve Harvey and I really don't believe all of this crock. We are so quick to judge when we don't have all the facts. I just have a hard time with the ex not knowing that she had right to legal counsel and why in the h*!! would she agree to $1000 monthly for child support. That's just plain stupid. She knew better. I think she may be wearing green due to Steve's new marriage and now wants to make him pay. This sounds like some "I know you didn't" drama.(on the ex's part)Steve I wish you the best and I hope you come out of all of this squeaky clean.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ELESHA on 3/22/2008 3:05PM
I have alot of respect for Steve Harvey. If, he treated his wife like this then, married another women what type of role model he is for the public.
WE ARE NOT PERFECT
Reply to this Comment | Report This