Steve Harvey says that he is no longer interested in doing stand-up comedy because of “cancel culture.”
The legendary King of Comedy spoke during a Television Critics Association panel on Tuesday, where he said that the only way he would do a comedy special is if he was nearing retirement in his television career.
“The only way I can do one more special is if it’s at the end of my television career because it will end my television career,” Harvey shared.
The Family Feud host also said that comedians such as Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley could not “say anything” because they rely on sponsors. However, he feels that controversial comic Dave Chappelle can say whatever he pleases because he’s “subscription-driven” instead of “sponsor-driven.”
Harvey explained that every joke told has to have a subject matter about something or someone. Yet, in today’s society, jokes seem to always hurt “somebody’s feelings.”
It is likely best that Harvey steers clear of stand-up comedy, considering that he has come under fire for past comments. In 2017, he was slammed by the LGBTQ community for referring to Caitlyn Jenner as “he.” That same year, he also faced backlash for making a joke about Asians and their food, stating, “I don’t eat what I can’t pronounce.”
The last Steve Harvey comedy special was a pay-per-view event in 2012. Since then, he has focused on hosting gigs, television, and his popular radio show.
