Certain words carry significant impact and are advised to be avoided altogether. While some of these words target specific groups, others are simply too offensive to tolerate. When Steve Harvey’s wife used the word “retarded” on social media, it led to public outcry. Steve Harvey stepped in to address the situation and defend his wife.
The incident happened in a video on Marjorie Harvey’s Instagram, where she and Steve were playfully cutting fruit in the kitchen. While joking about an argument with her husband over vegetable cutting, Marjorie used the offensive term. However, her choice of words caused a major controversy, prompting Steve Harvey to intervene.
In the video, Marjorie can be heard saying, “I’m sitting here arguing with my husband, ’cause clearly he thinks I’m retarded [and] I don’t know how to cut a beet.” This clip garnered over 400,000 views on Instagram, where Marjorie boasts 1.7 million followers as a fashion and lifestyle blogger.
Many of Marjorie’s followers showed their disappointment and outrage at her use of the derogatory term. Some highlighted the harmful impact such language has on individuals with cognitive disabilities and their families. In spite of backlash, some supporters dismissed the criticism as excessive political correctness.
To defend his wife’s use of the word, Steve Harvey argued it was not meant to offend and that people were overreacting. He expressed frustration with what he perceived as an overly sensitive response from the public.
The incident raised questions about the public’s reaction to offensive language and the boundaries of political correctness. Some felt the outrage was justified, but others believed it was blown out of proportion. Ultimately, the controversy emphasized the importance of sensitivity and respect when using language, particularly in a public setting.
