Comedian Steve Harvey has done it again! He has ended up in the media’s spotlight due to controversy. This time it is over a leaked email he reportedly sent out to his staff at the “Steve Harvey” show in Chicago.
He Wants Space
Steve makes it crystal clear for his staff not to speak him unless an appointment has been made. He states his previous policy was too lenient and people abused it. Now he wants space.
The leaked email was first published last Wednesday by a Chicago blogger named Robert Feder. And since then it has gone viral.
The email reads:
Good morning, everyone. Welcome back.
I’d like you all to review and adhere to the following notes and rules for Season 5 of my talk show.
There will be no meetings in my dressing room. No stopping by or popping in. NO ONE.
Do not come to my dressing room unless invited.
Do not open my dressing room door. IF YOU OPEN MY DOOR, EXPECT TO BE REMOVED.
My security team will stop everyone from standing at my door who have the intent to see or speak to me.
I want all the ambushing to stop now. That includes TV staff.
You must schedule an appointment.
I have been taken advantage of by my lenient policy in the past. This ends now. NO MORE.
Do not approach me while I’m in the makeup chair unless I ask to speak with you directly. Either knock or use the doorbell.
I am seeking more free time for me throughout the day.
Do not wait in any hallway to speak to me. I hate being ambushed. Please make an appointment.
I promise you I will not entertain you in the hallway, and do not attempt to walk with me.
If you’re reading this, yes, I mean you.
Everyone, do not take offense to the new way of doing business. It is for the good of my personal life and enjoyment.
Thank you all,
Steve Harvey
The Fallout of the Leaked Email
Now we can all agree this email is coarse. Steve makes no bones about needing privacy. Soon after the email went viral, countless memes were created on social media to make jest of the incident. And while some have dubbed him as “entitled” and “rude”, others were understanding. A few people have questioned whether Steve Harvey has become too pompous due to Hollywood. It also doesn’t help that his show is moving to Los Angeles in the Fall and his staff in Chicago are scrambling for new jobs.
Despite the criticism, Steve remains unapologetic. In his ET interview, he states he could have handled things differently, but likened his experience to being in prison.
Is He Wrong?
But instead of jumping on the bandwagon and bashing Steve. We should consider what he is saying. If you ever experienced your lunch interrupted, a meeting added to your schedule abruptly, or were ambushed on your way in or out of the office, then you can sympathize with Mr. Harvey. To be honest, he did what most of us daydream of doing. Declaring your need for work-life balance is not wrong. Nevertheless the method of expressing such need should be professional and sensitive to others.
Video credit: Entertainment Tonight | Youtube