Since early 2024, a false rumor claiming comedian and “Family Feud” game show host Steve Harvey was dead following a “tragic accident” or car crash has persisted in numerous social media posts, YouTube videos, and even paid advertising. However, a simple check of Harvey’s live weekday radio show and podcast, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” has credibly confirmed he is very much alive as of October 17, 2024.
A representative for Harvey declined to comment on the matter, but this is not the first time the comedian has had to debunk death hoaxes targeting him. In July 2023, he responded to one of the previous rumors by posting a photo of himself looking at his phone, along with the caption, “Me seeing that Rip Harvey is trending.”
Facebook users spread the unfounded claim. Various Facebook posts throughout October 2024 showcase the most recent iteration of the false rumor. For instance, on October 17, one user posted, “Breaking news: Steve passed on in a car accident yesterday, R.I.P.”
In a separate post from October 9, a different user wrote, “So Steve Harvey was in a car accident but has survived so far. Why do people lie about him passing away?” Another user on the same day expressed, “I pray Steve Harvey survives this accident. He’s such a sweet soul to always behold on TV. I pray he survives! The accident happened last night.”
However, Snopes found no evidence that Harvey was involved in any such crash around the time of these posts, let alone that he died as a result of it.
Misleading YouTube videos perpetuate the hoax. YouTube videos with clickbait-focused titles and thumbnail images have also promoted the false rumor about Steve Harvey’s death.
One video uploaded on October 6 displayed the title, “Devastating News… In a Tragic Accident Yesterday Night, Steve Harvey Passed Away…” The thumbnail image showed a picture of Harvey superimposed on top of a photo of a car accident, along with a small picture of people carrying a casket.
Other YouTube videos from earlier in the year also pushed the false claim that Harvey had died, some even mentioning the purported “tragic accident.”
Death Hoax Ads Accepted by Meta Platforms Adding to the proliferation of this unfounded rumor, a search of Meta’s ad library found that the company accepted money from advertisers for the promotion of death hoaxes about Steve Harvey for months in 2024, going back as far as at least March.
Ads displayed in October on Meta’s platforms Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger all read, “Steve Harvey Dead? ‘Family Feud’ Fans React To Host’s Death Trending!” According to the app’s brand information, these ads directed users to download news aggregator mobile apps from the Google Play Store, created by people or companies based in China.
Harvey’s Resilience in the Face of Hoaxes Despite the persistence of these false rumors, Steve Harvey has proven to be resilient in the face of such hoaxes. The fact that he continues to appear on his popular radio show and podcast is a clear testament to his continued existence.
Harvey’s ability to respond to these death hoaxes with humor and grace, as he did in 2023, also showcases his strength of character and the deep connection he has with his fans.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the spread of misinformation and fake news, the case of the persistent rumor about Steve Harvey’s demise serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it comes to the well-being of public figures and the need for platforms like Facebook and YouTube to take stronger measures to combat the proliferation of such harmful and unsubstantiated claims.
For now, Steve Harvey remains a vibrant and beloved presence in the world of television and radio, and fans can rest assured that the “Family Feud” host is very much alive and thriving, despite the best efforts of those who seek to spread these false narratives.