Harvey addressed the mistreatment claims more than 16 years after Mac’s death.

Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Bernie Mack (l. to r.), stars of the movie “The Original Kings Of Comedy,”
Thomas Monaster/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Steve Harvey is well aware of those Bernie Mac beef rumors. And he claims to have no idea where they stemmed from.

The comedian/game show host addressed the topic in Black Comedy in America — a 10-part docuseries exploring the impact of legendary Black comics, films, and TV shows. The first installment focused on The Original Kings of Comedy, which consisted of Harvey, Mac, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley.

Episode 1, which aired more than 16 after Mac’s death, reunited the remaining Kings for their first televised interview in 15-plus years. The trio spent the time reflecting on the group’s origin story, the evolution of the Black comedy circuit, and Mac’s legacy. While discussing the latter topic, Harvey took the time to set the record straight on the group’s relationship with Mac and the misconceptions surrounding it.

“Bernie was a special dude, man,” the Family Feud host said. “So, you know, when I hear stuff about us and I hear stuff about the dissension, I don’t really know what they talking about.”

He continued: “The thing about Bernie was, Bernie was a man’s man. So when somebody say, ‘They treated Bernie like shit.’ That was impossible. This dude, right here, was Chicago South Side to his core and blood. You mistreat this dude right here? You know the problem you’re going to have instantly? That was an impossibility. That was a man’s man.”

Rumors of a Harvey vs. Mac feud have been circulating for a minute, with some accusing the former of mistreating and trying to sabotage his fellow King. Katt Williams fueled that theory during his January appearance on Club Shay Shay, claiming he was offered a spot on The Kings of Comedy but turned it down because of the group “shit[ted] on Bernie.”

“I know the truth,” he said. “You think I’m gonna let you shit on Bernie and then come get me? I’m the next King? Fuck you. Why? Because the whole time Bernie was here you was acting like you was funnier than him. The reason you’re supposed to go last is because it was your tour. Tell the truth. It was Steve’s tour… of course you gotta close if it’s your tour… but you couldn’t do it because you can’t beat the best. And until you humble yourself, you will forever be kinged by the king.”

Williams was seemingly referencing Harvey’s 2023 appearance on Club Shay Shay, explaining why he was so frustrated with The Kings of Comedy set lineup. He told host Shannon Sharpe he was given the short stick by always being the closer.

“The first year was rough. I wanted to switch up sometimes,” he said. “Let me sit in the rocking chair; I wanted to go second. Bernie sat in the rocking chair. And I went mad because you got Ced warming them up, Bernie in the rocking chair — you closing behind these dudes is rough. So that’s where we had our little… that was our only odds. Because [I was like], ‘Y’all got to give me a chance to win, too.”