Steve Harvey Slams Cancel Culture: "Political Correctness Killed Comedy"

BY Erika Marie 2.7K Views
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Steve Harvey
He addressed why he hasn't done more standup comedy in recent years and said if he did, "It will end my television career."

There are a select number of fans who love Steve Harvey from hosting Family Feud, the Miss Universe competition, or even his Think Like a Man moment in pop culture, but longtime fans recall him being a hungry, touring comedian in his early days. He appeared on Def Comedy Jam and starred in the King of Comedy standup film directed by Spike Lee, so if there is anyone who knows the ins and outs of making people laugh, it's Harvey.

Although he is more family-friendly these days, Harvey was known for his outrageous takes and controversial jokes that stunned the public while also bringing a roar of applause. Some have called for him to return to the comedy tour circuit, but the mogul recently shared why he doesn't believe audiences will accept him with open arms.

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Harvey spoke at the Television Critics Association press tour as he promoted his new show Judge Steve Harvey.

“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 said. “We’re in the cancel culture now. No stand-up that is sponsor-driven can say anything he wants to. Chris Rock can’t. Kevin Hart can’t. Cedric the Entertainer can’t. D.L. Hughley can’t. I can go down the list. The only person that can say what they want to say on stage is Dave Chappelle because he’s not sponsor-driven. He’s subscription-driven.”

“If I had tried to continue as a stand-up, there’s no way I could maintain it. Political correctness has killed comedy. Every joke you tell now, it hurts somebody’s feelings. But what people don’t understand about comedians is that a joke has to be about something. It has to be about somebody. We can’t write jokes about puppies all the time. The joke can’t be about bushes all the time. Some of these jokes will have to be about people, because that’s the most interesting topic."

He reiterated that because he's not done with other aspects of his career so that comedy special would have to wait. "I want to do one more. I’ll probably have to call it ‘This Is It.’ Check out a clip from Judge Steve Harvey below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.