logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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."

Advertisement
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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Celebrities’ Christmas Traditions: Having Eggnog, Crashing through Giant Gift Wrapping & Decorating Tree with Family Pictures

November 17, 2023

Celebrities' Christmas Decorations: ‘The Mall Tree’, Bedecking the Chicken Coop, & Keeping Tree Up as Long as Possible

November 20, 2023

Why Cher and Sonny Bono's Widow Are Locked In Legal Dispute – Details of Lawsuit

January 30, 2024

Guy Visits Same Coffee Shop Daily, Then Spots Barista Wearing His Missing Mom's Medallion – Story of the Day

November 09, 2023

My Fiancé Makes Me Pay For His Friend Every Time We Go Out – This Time I Taught Him a Lesson

February 15, 2024

Judge Judy & Spouse Bought a Massive Home after Money Stopped Being a ‘Stressor’ for Their Family of 20 — Inside

November 22, 2023

Teen Visits Same Coffee Shop Daily, Then Spots Barista Wearing His Missing Mom's Medallion – Story of the Day

December 18, 2023

Teacher Adopts Foster Kid Who Is a Carbon Copy of His Late Daughter, Years Later Her Mother Shows Up – Story of the Day

March 03, 2024

Woman Returns From Work to Find Her Husband in Bed With Another Woman – Story of the Day

December 28, 2023

Celebrities' Thanksgiving Stories: From Delivering Turkeys & Tweet about ‘Cancelled’ Holiday to Creating Own Friendsgiving

November 24, 2023

Cher’s Son, Elijah Blue Allman, Has His Divorce Dismissal Request Denied amid Substance Abuse Issues

January 18, 2024

4 Missing Teen Boys Found Dead — Girlfriend Writes Devastating Words to Her Late ‘Most Loving Boy'

November 24, 2023

Steve Wallis's Wife Jessica Wallis Died Unexpectedly - More about Her

December 01, 2023

My Son's Disappearance Terrified Me to the Core, but Also Taught Me a Lesson

February 23, 2024