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Steve Harvey’s Ex-wife Mary Lee Harvey Once Claimed He Destroyed Her Life – Details about Their Divorce

Andile Mthimkhulu
Aug 31, 2022
11:35 A.M.

Mary Lee Harvey is Steve Harvey's ex-wife, who once exposed his dirty laundry. She accused him of forcing her into a crippling lifestyle following their divorce. Here's what happened.

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Mary Lee Harvey's ex-husband Steve Harvey is an acclaimed comedian, radio personality, and TV host who's also a producer and actor. Mary Lee Harvey is the comedian's second wife, who he married following his divorce from his first wife, Marcia Harvey.

Before meeting her ex-husband, little is known about Mary's early life, such as her childhood, education, or career. Her relationship with the TV host put her in the spotlight. The pair have one child together, Wynton Harvey.

Steve Harvey with Mary Lee Harvey posing for photos backstage at The NAACP Image Awards on December 2, 2000, in Pasadena, California. I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey with Mary Lee Harvey posing for photos backstage at The NAACP Image Awards on December 2, 2000, in Pasadena, California. I Source: Getty Images

WHO IS MARY LEE HARVEY?

Mary Lee Harvey and her ex-husband met at a mall in Arlington, Texas, in 1989. When she met Steve, she was working as a makeup artist. Mary was a housewife and raised two kids at the time of her marriage.

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She already had a child before she married Steve, a son named Steven, who she had from a previous relationship.

Steve Harvey and his wife Mary attend the Fourth Annual Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Awards Dinner on December 11, 2001, in Beverly Hills, CA. I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey and his wife Mary attend the Fourth Annual Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Awards Dinner on December 11, 2001, in Beverly Hills, CA. I Source: Getty Images

THINGS WENT SMOOTHLY AT FIRST

In 1996, Mary and Steve tied the knot. They remained together for nearly a decade as she witnessed Steve's career rise while supporting him in the background. For some time, everything seemed to be going well.

Their divorce was a surprise to many people in 2005. In an interview with Jet magazine following their divorce, Steve mentioned that he and Mary remain good friends. The television personality added:

"It was nothing volatile, or about anybody else involved, or anything like that. We're still friends and all, and I still love her."

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Steve Harvey and his wife Mary attend the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards on June 29, 2004, in Hollywood, California. I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey and his wife Mary attend the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards on June 29, 2004, in Hollywood, California. I Source: Getty Images

EXTRA MESSY DIVORCE

However, it was later reported that several factors contributed to the split, including an allegation of infidelity. Mary accused him of having an affair with his now-wife, Marjorie Harvey, while they were married.

There was also a child custody dispute. She then posted YouTube clips exposing Steve's alleged dark side. From the videos, Mary claimed that not only had Steve been unfaithful, but he also destroyed her life.

Additionally, Mary claimed Steve took her son Wynton and left her with nothing at the end of their marriage. The public statements she made concerning the divorce amounted to a violation of the court rules.

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Apart from Wynton, the son he has from his marriage to Mary, Steve is also the proud papa of six other children.

Steve Harvey and Mary arrive at the premiere of Spike Lee's new film "The Original Kings of Comedy" in Hollywood, CA, on August 10, 2000. I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey and Mary arrive at the premiere of Spike Lee's new film "The Original Kings of Comedy" in Hollywood, CA, on August 10, 2000. I Source: Getty Images

SLAMMED BY JUDGE

In 2011, Mary faced a scathing court ruling by Judge Robert Dry over a potential gag order breach and dissemination of false information. Several of Mary's accusations were countered in the document.

The judge noted that Mary was not facing homelessness or eviction. In proper settlement form, she received three homes, a monthly payment of $40,000 through March 2009, and an additional $1.5 million.

Regarding Mary's accusation that Steve took Wynton from her, the court document revealed that Mary intentionally put Wynton on an airplane and had him go to the comedian without his knowledge.

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The document added that Steve, who now has primary custody of their child, did not hide Wynton from Mary or turn him against her, contrary to what Mary claimed. Her accusation of Steve's infidelity also had a counterpart.

The judge determined that Marjorie had not been involved in the divorce proceedings and was not even a factor in the divorce. Officially, there were "irreconcilable differences" that led to the split.

Mary Lee Harvey told TMZ in 2011 about the Valentine's Day gift her ex-husband sent her after their divorce. She revealed that she received a box of chocolates with a Valentine's Day card. And that's not all; the gift also contained a notice, which was a gag order, stating that Mary was required to go back to court.

Steve Harvey & wife Mary during "Rush Hour 2" Los Angeles Premiere in Hollywood, California. I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey & wife Mary during "Rush Hour 2" Los Angeles Premiere in Hollywood, California. I Source: Getty Images

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In 2013, Mary was arrested after reportedly being found in contempt of court. She served 30 days behind bars and detailed what she said was the real reason for her arrest.

She first expressed that she didn't violate any court orders and went on to say, "This is about 'You're not supposed to be talking to anybody about your divorce.'"

Mary also revealed at the time that she just wanted access to her son Wynton, of whom Steve had custody. She expressed:

"I'm tired of getting pulled down to McKinney courthouse every time I say 'Boo.' I'm not going to be silenced."

Steve Harvey (C) at home with his family: wife Mary (L), son Wynton (2L), and stepson Steven (R). I Source: Getty Images

Steve Harvey (C) at home with his family: wife Mary (L), son Wynton (2L), and stepson Steven (R). I Source: Getty Images

The comedian's ex-wife was also forbidden to speak ill of her ex-husband. It was reported in 2011 that Steve won an injunction against Mary in Texas state court.

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The gag order barred Mary from slamming her ex-husband in the media and on social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. It was after Mary posted videos about her ex-spouse on the internet.

THE ONLY SON OF MARY LEE HARVEY AND STEVE HARVEY

Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey welcomed one child together, their son Wynton Harvey. Wynton has been a professional photographer since 2016 and loves taking images of fashion, landscapes, portraits, and more.

Mary's son has his studio in Atlanta, Georgia, and his primary focus is fine art photography. He's inspired by minimalist design, African culture, the Victorian Era, and contemporary artistry.

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THE LIVES OF MARY LEE HARVEY AND STEVE HARVEY AFTER THEIR DIVORCE

Not much is known about Mary Lee Harvey's life at this time, and it's also unknown if she has remarried. On the other hand, Steve's personal life is well-known, especially since he's a famous entertainer and TV host.

In 2007, Mary's ex-husband married Marjorie, who became his third wife and still is. The two never welcomed any children together during their marriage, but Steve Harvey became a dad again after adopting three of Marjorie's children from her previous relationship.

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