Mary Lee Harvey: Steve Harvey’s Ex-Wife and Their Controversial Divorce
Mary Lee Harvey gained public attention as the second wife of comedian Steve Harvey. Their relationship began in the 1990s and lasted for nearly a decade. Mary Lee Harvey accused Steve Harvey of cheating and manipulation during their marriage, which ended in a high-profile divorce in 2005.
After the split, Mary Lee made headlines with legal battles and public statements about her ex-husband. She filed lawsuits and spoke out on social media, claiming emotional distress and unfair treatment. These actions led to court orders and even a brief stint in jail for violating a gag order.
The aftermath of their divorce continues to spark interest years later. In 2018, Mary Lee filed a $60 million lawsuit against Steve Harvey, citing mental and emotional distress. This move reignited public curiosity about their past relationship and its lasting impact on both parties.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Lee Harvey was Steve Harvey’s second wife from 1996 to 2005
- Their divorce led to ongoing legal disputes and public accusations
- Mary Lee’s actions post-divorce included lawsuits and social media statements
Background and Early Life
Mary Lee Harvey, born Mary Lee Shackelford, came into the public eye as the second wife of famous comedian Steve Harvey. Her life before marriage remains largely private.
Rise to Public Attention
Mary Lee Harvey was born on October 20, 1960, in Texas. She worked as a makeup artist before meeting Steve Harvey. The two met in 1989 at a comedy club in Arlington, Texas, where Steve was performing.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to marriage in 1996. This union brought Mary Lee into the spotlight, as Steve’s career was on the rise.
The couple had one son together, named Wynton. Mary Lee became a stepmother to Steve’s three children from his previous marriage.
Little is known about Mary Lee’s family background or education. She has kept most details of her early life private, even after gaining public attention through her marriage to Steve Harvey.
Marriage to Steve Harvey
Mary Lee Harvey’s marriage to Steve Harvey was a significant chapter in her life. It brought both opportunities and challenges as she adapted to life with a rising celebrity.
Life as Steve Harvey’s Wife
Mary Lee met Steve Harvey in 1989 at a mall in Arlington, Texas. She worked as a makeup artist at the time. Steve was still married to his first wife, Marcia Harvey, when they began dating.
Mary Lee and Steve got married in 1996. They had one son together named Wynton, born in 1997.
The couple’s relationship had its ups and downs. Steve’s comedy career was taking off, which meant he was often away from home.
The Public Spotlight
As Steve Harvey’s fame grew, Mary Lee found herself in the public eye. She attended events and red carpets with her husband.
The increased attention brought scrutiny to their relationship. Rumors and gossip about their marriage circulated in the media.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 2005. The split was not amicable, and Mary Lee made public accusations against Steve after their separation.
The divorce proceedings and aftermath were widely covered by tabloids and entertainment news outlets. This put additional strain on Mary Lee as she adjusted to life after her high-profile marriage.
The Divorce
Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey’s divorce was a high-profile split that led to legal battles and public accusations. The proceedings were complex, and the aftermath had lasting impacts on both parties.
Proceedings and Settlement
Steve Harvey and Mary Lee divorced in 2005 after nine years of marriage. The divorce settlement included:
- Division of assets
- Custody arrangements for their son
- Spousal support payments
Mary Lee received a $1.5 million lump sum payment. She also got three homes as part of the settlement.
The court issued a gag order to prevent either party from discussing the divorce publicly. This order aimed to protect their privacy and limit media attention.
Aftermath and Legal Disputes
The years following the divorce were marked by ongoing conflicts. In 2011, Steve Harvey sued Mary Lee for contempt of court and defamation. He claimed she violated the gag order by posting YouTube videos with accusations against him.
Mary Lee made several public statements about the divorce. She alleged:
- Infidelity during their marriage
- Unfair treatment in the divorce proceedings
- Issues with child custody arrangements
These claims led to further legal actions. Steve Harvey’s team worked to refute the allegations and protect his public image.
The ongoing disputes affected both parties’ reputations. It also impacted their son, who was caught in the middle of the public conflict between his parents.
