Steve Harvey Reveals the Reason Behind His Meeting with Donald Trump

The presidential inauguration is days away and still causing commotion in all aspects. From incomplete documentation to administration nominees dropping out, not to mention the trouble the transition team has to secure performers.

Since the election, very few celebrities supported Trump’s transition into the White House. Many, still upset about his devise and inflammatory language during his presidential campaign, have severed ties with all things Donald Trump. On the other hand, to express the concerns of the black community, a handful of celebrities sat down with the President-elect, hoping to be a voice for the community. However, the meetings, which appeared to be more of a photo-op to some, did not sit well with the community it was supposed to benefit.

The latest celebrity to fall victim to the Trump support-backlash was none other than comedian and television host, Steve Harvey. Photos surfaced of the Family Feud host with the former reality star on Friday, leaving many fans disappointed in Harvey. However, in an effort to clear up the situation, he released a statement via Instagram regarding the infamous meeting and their discussion about inner cities reform.

On Monday morning, Harvey took to his radio show to discuss the meeting further, for the last time.

“First I want to say, thank you to all the people who have reached out and shown me so much love and support,” he said. But, I am also very aware of the anger that so many people feel. And these voices will continue to be heard, as they should. But, I have an obligation to take a seat at the table, when invited. Change can only happen when we sit at the table. If you sit at the table, then we can have a say so on to what’s to be eaten on the menu. If you’re not at the table, you can’t refuse the menu or suggest what we should be eating. And so, therefore, it was very important for me to take the meeting.”

Harvey continued as the radio host questioned him about the meeting and how it came about. He revealed the details about the exchange, in their discussion about inner cities reform.

“Several conversations were had, prior to the meeting. But, I didn’t know if it was really real or not until I received and email through my TV show. It was an email through some people from the Trump side and it gave me an opportunity to meet the President-elect, Donald Trump. President Trump did not request this meeting personally, as I understood it. But, it was set up by members of his team. I didn’t even know if it would happen until I got an email from an assistant, who gave me a time and a day,” Harvey said. “And I want to be clear here, Mr. Trump didn’t ask me for any advice or help and people should know that. I’m assuming that the transition team thought this would be a great meeting between the two of us.”

Harvey went on the describe the nature of the meeting between him and the President-elect.

“When we met, it was a very cordial meeting. He was very warm, friendly, and honestly, when we talked he was very sincere. We talked about golf, we talked about our favorite golf courses, we talked about the election and it started as just a meet and greet. I’m not ignorant here. I’m pretty sure and his team is pretty smart, they know who is in that room. Clearly, they know what side I was on.”

When asked if he was surprised by the backlash, he revealed he was hurt.

“On a personal note, a lot of ya’ll hurt me. You really did. I didn’t expect the backlash to be so fierce. But, I also understand that if I’m going to keep getting stabbed at, now I’m still Steve Harvey, so please understand, that if I’m going to keep getting stabbed at, then at least, while you’re stabbing me, you should understand my intent for taking the meeting in the first place.”

Check out the video below: