‘YOU OPEN MY DOOR, EXPECT TO BE REMOVED’: Steve Harvey’s Harsh Letter To His Staff Is Lighting Up The Internet

It’s safe to say talk show host Steve Harvey is not a fan of unscheduled small talk.

On Thursday, a leaked email from Harvey to his staff harshly addressing boundaries for the fifth and last season of The Steve Harvey Show hit the internet. The talk show host, in all caps, warned his staffers that they’d be released if they opened his dressing room door. He also added other tough language, such as, “I promise you I will not entertain you in the hallway, and do not attempt to walk with me.”

The emailed directive was said to have been leaked by a disgruntled employee who was not asked to work on the comedian’s new show set to start in the fall. According to one online Chicago blog, most of Harvey’s estimated 80 employees at the Steve Harvey Show were let go without so much as a notice. Harvey is moving his show to Los Angeles and rebranding with a new show name, Steve.

“He didn’t offer interviews to many people who have been with him since the beginning, and hurt lots of people who would move on their own to L.A. to be part of the new show,” one employee told RadarOnline. “Steve never even addressed the staff about it. He never said a word about them all losing their jobs.”

Here’s the letter from Harvey to his staff in full, via the online blog:

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

The internet, naturally, had a lot to say about the letter; most all users finding the Family Feud host’s directive to be too harsh or diva-like. Here are some of the reactions:

A minority opinion was that the letter was direct and honest: