Steve Harvey is moving his daytime talk show to Los Angeles this fall, but his new staff may not want to expect a sunny welcome from the host — at least, if his past communication is any indication of his attitude toward his staffers.
A memo that was sent from Harvey to his staff surfaced earlier today on Robert Feder’s Chicago media blog telling employees not to approach him. “Do not come to my dressing room unless invited….Do not approach me while I’m in the makeup chair unless I ask to speak with you directly,” read the memo. “Do not take offense to the new way of doing business. It is for the good of my personal life and enjoyment.”
Sources tell Variety the memo was sent to his staff in Chicago before the start of the fifth season of his former daytime talk show, “Steve Harvey,” which ran for five seasons in national syndication. Starting this fall, the revamped show will tape in Los Angeles at Harvey’s request, with a new crew. Sources say the memo may have been leaked by a former staff member, who may not have been invited to work on the new LA-based show.
Last year, Harvey set a new deal with NBCUniversal and IMG to launch a revamped syndicated show that would give him an ownership stake and control over the production. The past five seasons of his show were produced by Endemol Shine North America and distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television. With the move from Chicago to L.A., producers of the new show have noted that more celebrity guests will appear on the show, given that more talent is based in Southern California than the Midwest.
Harvey’s behavior has been subject to media attention in the past. This January, a controversial segment on his talk show poked fun at Asian men. In summer 2015, the host was trending on Twitter for a homophobic rant on his show.
Aside from the daytime show, Harvey also hosts ABC’s “Celebrity Family Feud,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots” and its spinoff series, and is attached to Fox’s upcoming “Showtime at the Apollo” revival.
Read Harvey’s full memo below:
Good morning, everyone. Welcome back.
I’d like you all to review and adhere to the following notes and rules for Season 5 of my talk show.
There will be no meetings in my dressing room. No stopping by or popping in. NO ONE.
Do not come to my dressing room unless invited.
Do not open my dressing room door. IF YOU OPEN MY DOOR, EXPECT TO BE REMOVED.
My security team will stop everyone from standing at my door who have the intent to see or speak to me.
I want all the ambushing to stop now. That includes TV staff.
You must schedule an appointment.
I have been taken advantage of by my lenient policy in the past. This ends now. NO MORE.
Do not approach me while I’m in the makeup chair unless I ask to speak with you directly. Either knock or use the doorbell.
I am seeking more free time for me throughout the day.
Do not wait in any hallway to speak to me. I hate being ambushed. Please make an appointment.
I promise you I will not entertain you in the hallway, and do not attempt to walk with me.
If you’re reading this, yes, I mean you.
Everyone, do not take offense to the new way of doing business. It is for the good of my personal life and enjoyment.
Thank you all,
Steve Harvey
