### The Comedy Feud: Mark Curry vs. Steve Harvey Over Alleged Joke Theft

In the world of comedy, originality is the cornerstone of success. Comedians work tirelessly to craft their unique voices, often drawing from personal experiences to create material that resonates with audiences.

This is why allegations of joke theft can be so incendiary, striking at the very heart of a comedian’s identity. Such is the case in the ongoing feud between Mark Curry and Steve Harvey, two veteran comedians with a storied history in the entertainment industry.

#### The Allegations

Mark Curry, best known for his role in the 1990s sitcom “Hanging with Mr. Cooper,” has accused Steve Harvey of stealing his comedic material.

Curry claims that Harvey used his jokes on multiple occasions, including on his talk shows “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”

The particular joke in question involves a Halloween routine where Curry, due to financial constraints, would wear a brown box and pretend to be a UPS man.

Curry expressed his frustration publicly, stating that he had confronted Harvey about the issue in person, only to see the joke used again on a different platform.

“You’re taking money out of my pocket,” Curry lamented during an interview with TMZ. He emphasized that Harvey, given his significant wealth and success, should not need to appropriate material from other comedians.

#### Steve Harvey’s Response

Steve Harvey has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as baseless. In an interview, Harvey expressed his irritation, stating, “Steve Harvey ain’t been on stage since 2015.

Ask Mark Curry what joke he’s talking about.” He insisted that Curry could not even specify the joke he claimed was stolen and suggested that Curry should focus on advancing his own career instead of making unfounded accusations.

Harvey’s reaction was both defensive and dismissive, underscoring his frustration with being repeatedly accused of joke theft. He claimed that in his 35-year career, he had never stolen a joke and challenged Curry to provide concrete evidence to support his claims.

#### The Evidence and Public Reaction

In response to Harvey’s denial, Curry took to social media to present what he called “receipts.” He posted a now-deleted video on Instagram comparing a scene from his 1990s sitcom “Hanging with Mr. Cooper” to a segment from Harvey’s 2015 show where the same Halloween joke was told. This side-by-side comparison appeared to support Curry’s accusation, reigniting the debate among fans and fellow comedians.

Public reaction has been mixed but largely supportive of Curry. Many fans praised Curry for standing up for himself and called out Harvey for allegedly using someone else’s material.

The sentiment among Curry’s supporters is that his contributions to comedy have been undervalued and that his accusations are credible given Harvey’s history of similar controversies.

#### Historical Context and Career Highlights

Mark Curry’s career began in the 1980s, but he rose to fame with “Hanging with Mr. Cooper,” which aired from 1992 to 1997. The show was a staple of 90s television and helped solidify Curry’s place in comedy.

Despite the show’s success, Curry’s career faced challenges, including a near-fatal accident in 2007 that left him with severe burns and led to a period of depression.

With the support of industry friends like Richard Pryor and Sinbad, Curry made a comeback, continuing to perform stand-up and take on various acting roles.

Steve Harvey, on the other hand, has built a multifaceted career that spans stand-up comedy, television hosting, radio, and authorship. His transition from stand-up comedian to mainstream television personality has been marked by significant success, including hosting “Family Feud” and his own talk shows.

Despite his achievements, Harvey has not been free from controversy. Allegations of joke theft have surfaced before, with other comedians accusing him of similar behavior.

#### The Broader Implications

The feud between Curry and Harvey highlights a broader issue in the comedy world: the fine line between inspiration and theft. Comedy, by nature, often involves building on common experiences and cultural references. However, when one comedian’s material closely mirrors another’s, it raises questions about originality and respect within the industry.

For comedians, particularly those who have spent years honing their craft, seeing their material used by others without acknowledgment can feel like a personal and professional violation.

This is exacerbated when the alleged infringer is more successful or has a larger platform, potentially reaping financial and reputational rewards from the appropriated material.

#### Conclusion

The dispute between Mark Curry and Steve Harvey is more than just a personal spat; it reflects the ongoing challenges comedians face in protecting their intellectual property and the respect for their creative work.

As the comedy community continues to navigate these issues, the importance of originality and integrity remains paramount. Whether or not Curry’s allegations will lead to any formal resolution, they serve as a reminder of the need for mutual respect and ethical standards in the entertainment industry.

In the end, both Curry and Harvey have made significant contributions to comedy, and it is crucial for the industry to ensure that such contributions are recognized and respected.

The dialogue sparked by this feud may ultimately lead to a more conscientious approach to creative ownership and originality in comedy.