Steve Harvey Faces Backlash Over Past Marriages Following ‘Family Feud’ Episode
Steve Harvey, renowned host of “Family Feud,” has found himself at the center of controversy following a recent episode of the popular game show. The drama unfolded during a segment broadcast on August 8, where Harvey engaged in an unexpected exchange with a contestant about romantic proposals.
In the episode, Harvey posed a question: “If a magician proposes, he might pull a ring out of his girlfriend’s what?” Contestant China answered “dessert,” prompting Harvey to share a personal anecdote about his own engagement. Harvey revealed that he had proposed to his current wife, Marjorie Harvey, in a manner strikingly similar to China’s, by hiding the engagement ring under a dessert.
Harvey’s reaction to the contestant’s story—repeatedly exclaiming “Dog!” and ultimately calling him a “pimp”—created a humorous and memorable moment on the show. The audience and social media users responded positively to the exchange, with some viewers commenting on the strong connection between Harvey and the contestant.
However, the light-hearted moment quickly became overshadowed by criticism related to Harvey’s personal life. Commenters on Harvey’s Instagram post and YouTube channel began discussing his past marriages, expressing disapproval of his previous relationships. Harvey’s romantic history, including his marriages to Marcia Harvey and Mary Shackleford before his current union with Marjorie, has been the subject of public scrutiny, particularly regarding allegations of infidelity.
Steve Harvey first met Marjorie in 1990, but they did not reconnect until 2005. Harvey has previously recounted in his now-defunct talk show how he proposed to Marjorie in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2006. He described an elaborate proposal involving a romantic dinner and a surprise engagement ring hidden in a dessert, which led to an emotional reaction from Marjorie.
Despite the romantic gesture, some critics have used Harvey’s past to question the authenticity of his current relationship. Comments on social media have criticized Harvey for allegedly cheating on his second wife, Mary Shackleford, with Marjorie. These accusations have fueled speculation and skepticism about Harvey’s personal integrity.
One comment on YouTube questioned Harvey’s credibility, stating, “Nobody cares how you cheated & left your 2nd wife for the homewrecker. I don’t believe anything a person says that does not practice what they preach.” Another commenter sarcastically remarked on Harvey’s multiple proposals, suggesting that with years of experience, “nothing should go wrong.”
In July, Steve and Marjorie Harvey celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary, amidst ongoing rumors and speculation about their relationship. Despite these challenges, the Harveys have consistently maintained that such narratives do not reflect the reality of their marriage.
The backlash Harvey is experiencing highlights the public’s intense scrutiny of celebrities’ personal lives, particularly when their past actions seem to conflict with their public personas. As Harvey continues his career and personal life, the debate over his past marriages and their impact on his present relationships remains a topic of considerable public interest.