Earlier this month, Steve Harvey and Mo’Nique sparked a debate on social media following their interview on the former’s daytime talk show. On the subject of money opposite integrity, the comedians engaged in a discussion that left some viewers scratching their heads concerning Harvey.
Now, in an interview with E! News, the Family Feud host is expressing his repentance over his statements. “My only regret in the whole thing was I misspoke. In the heat of the discussion, I used the word ‘integrity,’ when really I was talking about the method in which she was going about things, and that’s the only thing,” Harvey said. “I just want my young fans, the ones who look up to me, who consider me a role model in everything to know that I misused the word ‘integrity’ in the wrong context.”
The statement in contention surrounds Harvey’s claim that as black entertainers in Hollywood, “we can’t come out here and do it any kind of way we want to,” referring to how Mo’Nique decided to call out those in show business that she feels placed obstacles on her path. The 62-year-old continued to state that money is the name of the game.
“This ain’t the black man’s game, this ain’t the white man’s game. This is the money game,” he previously said. “And you cannot sacrifice yourself. The best thing you can do for poor people is not be one of them.” Mo’Nique responded by stating integrity used to be the root of anyone’s actions, but “we’ve lost integrity worrying about the money.” Harvey retorted by stating if he takes up a cause and his career begins to suffer, then it’ll affect his children and grandchildren. “There are ways to win the war in a different way,” he said at the time. The interview surrounded Mo’Nique’s fight for equality in Hollywood and the comments she made to have her voice heard.
Watch the full interview below.