Controversial Steve Harvey Jokes That Weren’t Received Well By Audiences

Steve Harvey was the go-to host for the Miss Universe pageant from 2015 to 2021. In his first year hosting, the infamous crown switch happened: Harvey mistakingly announced Miss Colombia as the winner. Realizing his mistake, he then had to hand over the winning title to the correct contestant, Miss Philippines. Harvey faced backlash as the topic of social media conversation for weeks following — and despite the ordeal, he hosted the event for the next four years.

After this slip-up, one would think the host would err on the side of caution. However, in yet another instance with a Miss Colombia — this time, during the 2019 pageant — he made an insensitive remark. When Harvey was announcing the contestants selected into the top 20, Miss Colombia Gabriela Tafur poked fun at his past mix-up, saying “Are you sure you read correctly? … You’re forgiven, don’t worry.” Harvey responded: “You’ve forgiven me, the cartel has not,” (via HuffPost).

Viewers didn’t take well to the culturally insensitive remark referencing the Columbian cartel and took to social media with their frustrations live as the show aired. “That Steve Harvey comment about Colombia and the CARTEL was disrespectful! He should apologize,” one frustrated viewer tweeted. “Thats [sic] not what we are, our artists, our landscapes, our athletes can speak LOUDER.” 

It wasn’t the last of Harvey’s mishaps, as he mixed up contestants yet again over the years. Of course, the comedian is no stranger to outrage at the things he says.