Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, experienced a mix of embarrassment and frustration when her request for a guest spot on Steve Harvey’s renowned talk show was declined by the host.
The former royal had hoped to appear on the show alongside her husband, Prince Harry, to promote their ventures with Netflix and Spotify.
Meghan had reached out to Harvey through their mutual acquaintance, Tyler Perry, who had extended them hospitality in Los Angeles upon their move to the US.
However, Harvey, known for his roles as a comedian, game show host, and the face of shows like Family Feud and the Steve Harvey Morning Show, was uninterested in featuring Meghan on his platform.
Reportedly, he bluntly expressed, “You must be kidding.
I don’t want you anywhere near my show or my audience.”
Harvey commands a significant and loyal following through his show, “Steve on Watch,” which airs on Facebook Watch.
The program showcases Harvey engaging with both celebrities and everyday individuals, offering them advice and entertainment.
Apart from his television roles, Harvey is also recognized as an accomplished author and philanthropist, boasting accolades such as five Daytime Emmys and two NAACP Image Awards.
In contrast to Meghan’s aspirations, Harvey’s decision not to welcome her on his show stems from his personal sentiments towards her actions, particularly her choice to depart from the royal family and relocate to the United States.
Meghan and Harry’s relocation to the US in 2020 marked a significant shift in their lives, prompting them to delve into projects aligned with their beliefs and passions, including mental health advocacy, women’s empowerment, and social justice initiatives.
The couple has secured substantial deals with major platforms like Netflix and Spotify, utilizing these partnerships to amplify their voices and causes.
Their charitable endeavors extend to the establishment of their foundation, Archewell, and the recent addition of their daughter, Lilibet, born in June 2021.
Despite Meghan’s hopes of leveraging Harvey’s platform to further their objectives, his disinterest in accommodating her appearance reflects his disagreement with her viewpoints and actions.
Harvey, an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, perceived Meghan’s involvement in US politics, particularly her endorsement of Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, as unwarranted.
This clash of ideologies led to Harvey dismissing Meghan’s plea to feature on his show, emphasizing his preference for other guests and topics that align more closely with his values.
Meghan’s reaction to Harvey’s rejection was one of shock and indignation, viewing his stance as rooted in jealousy and insecurity.
She condemned his actions as disrespectful and vowed to take legal action against him for defamation and discrimination.
Furthermore, Meghan declared her intention to boycott Harvey’s show and encouraged her supporters to stand in solidarity with her and Harry against what she perceived as unjust treatment.
In response to Harvey’s dismissal, Meghan asserted her determination to uphold her principles and advocate for causes dear to her, despite facing resistance from figures like Harvey.