Comedy Giants at Odds: The Heated Rivalry Between Cat Williams, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer
The world of standup comedy is not just about making people laugh—it’s also a fiercely competitive space where only the strongest survive. Among the notable players are Cat Williams, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer, three giants of comedy who have found themselves at odds with one another in what some call the “Comedy Wars.” Allegations of joke theft, public humiliations, and decades-old grudges have kept fans of these comedians glued to the drama.
The Face-Off: Cat Williams vs. Steve Harvey
The tension between Cat Williams and Steve Harvey reached its peak during the 2008 Championship Comedy showdown. Although the event wasn’t initially framed as a head-to-head confrontation, Cat Williams decided to turn it into one. Known for his sharp wit and fearless approach, Cat roasted Steve Harvey live on stage, targeting his hair—or more accurately, his baldness.
For years, Steve Harvey’s signature look was his perfect hairline, something that many men envied. Little did the public know, Steve was secretly wearing a toupee. Cat’s ruthless humor exposed this fact to a shocked audience, joking about Steve’s hairline and wig in a way that cut deep. The roasting was so brutal that many believe it led to Steve Harvey’s eventual retirement from standup comedy.
Cat didn’t just stop there. His success in that showdown has been a lingering issue for Steve. Even as recently as 2017, during the Def Comedy Jam 25 special, Steve appeared visibly uncomfortable when fellow comedian Dave Chappelle mentioned Cat Williams. It’s not every day you run into the person many claim ended your standup career, and Steve’s reaction suggests he hasn’t fully gotten over it.
Cedric the Entertainer and the Joke Controversy
While Steve Harvey may have taken the most direct hits from Cat Williams, Cedric the Entertainer hasn’t been spared either. The tension between Cat and Cedric goes back to a claim made by Cat Williams during an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay. According to Cat, Cedric blatantly stole one of his best jokes. The joke in question was a fan favorite, so much so that it was featured in promotional material for Comic View in 1998. However, Cedric allegedly took the joke and used it in his own set for Kings of Comedy, replacing a car in Cat’s original punchline with a spaceship.
Cat didn’t mince words about the alleged theft, going as far as to publicly roast Cedric. He referred to Cedric as a “talentless walrus” and ridiculed his comedy specials for being so bad they aren’t even available on popular platforms like Netflix or Tubi. While Cedric hasn’t publicly addressed the allegations in detail, the tension between the two comedians is evident.
Mark Curry Enters the Scene
Adding more fuel to the fire, veteran comedian Mark Curry has also accused Steve Harvey of joke theft. According to Curry, Steve lifted one of his classic bits from a 1999 Comedy Central Presents special. The joke, which was about not being able to afford proper Halloween costumes as a child, was reportedly recycled by Steve during an episode of Little Big Shots.
When confronted, Steve Harvey denied the allegations, telling Curry to “bring the receipts” if he wanted to make such claims. But Curry remained adamant, insisting that Harvey’s success came from mimicking the style and jokes of others, including himself.
The Comedy Battle Continues
The accusations swirling around these comedy legends paint a picture of a cutthroat industry where material is sacred, and stepping on someone’s toes can lead to long-lasting grudges. Whether or not the accusations of joke theft are entirely accurate, what remains clear is that these rivalries have shaped the careers and public personas of all involved.
While Steve Harvey has since moved away from standup and found success as a host and TV personality, the shadow of Cat Williams and his infamous roast still looms large. Cedric the Entertainer continues to entertain audiences with his unique style, but the accusations from Cat Williams have marred what was once a seemingly unshakable reputation.
In the end, the “Comedy Wars” are more than just about who can tell the best joke. It’s about respect, legacy, and who truly reigns as the king of comedy. As long as these comedians continue to stay in the spotlight, the drama—and the laughs—will undoubtedly continue.