One of black America's funniest men is embroiled in a messy alimony scandal -- and it's no laughing matter.The ex-wife of Steve Harvey, the nationally syndicated radio personality also known as one of 'The Original Kings of Comedy,' is crying foul for being duped into signing away her rights to his hefty fortune in a shady divorce deal.
Mary Lee Harvey (pictured right with the comic during happier times) is claiming that she was conned into a quickie separation of marriage devised by the entertainer and his attorney, Ricky Anderson -- who allegedly sought to keep private details about the comic's adultery, poor and neglectful parenting, and "physical and mental abuse" of his ex-spouse.
According to documents made available at TheSmokingGun.com, the former Mrs. Harvey filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20 claiming that she was defrauded by the comedian and the couple's longtime attorney, who represented both sides in the November 2005 proceedings.Talk about a raw deal.
The result was her being unaware of her rights to independent counsel and being severely shortchanged when it came to alimony, division of community property, and child support – which amounts to a paltry monthly payment of $1,000 for the couple's son.
Meanwhile Harvey, who hosted the nationally syndicated variety show 'Showtime at the Apollo' and fronted other TV shows throughout the years, is living happily ever after with another woman, Majorie Bridges (pictured left in July during the 2007 Essence Music Festival).The couple reportedly married during a family vacation to Hawaii.
Known to be highly outspoken about a number of subjects, the usually loud and proud member of the Omega Psi Phi black fraternity is surprisingly remaining mum about this dud of an alimony deal.
Elivra Guzman, a former radio station intern turned personal publicist for Harvey, didn't immediately respond to queries seeking comment from him.
When probed for a response, the flak retorted, "I am very nice person and I show everyone respect ... I do not understand why you continue to disrespect me and give me times lines."
To add injury to insult, she added: "I will simply not work with you if you continue to display this type of attitude."
Harvey, who is involved with a great and exciting community initiative with Walt Disney World Resorts (Disney Dreamers Academy), should be saying the same thing about her.
1. Wow! I didn't know that Steve and his wife were divorced. But if it is true that he mentally and physically abused her, and cheated on her and was a bad parent and now he has schemed her to keep her and their son from getting their due share, then I hope that she gets a good attorney and go after him with a vengance and make him pay for all his misdeeds. I really thought more highly of Steve than this, and now this makes me see him in a different way. He ought to be ashamed of himself.
ShiningStar at 1:47AM on Dec 8th 2007