The Comedy Feud That Shook Hollywood: Cat Williams, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer
For decades, the world of stand-up comedy has been filled with humor, competition, and underlying rivalries. However, few feuds have been as intense and long-lasting as the ongoing tension between Cat Williams, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer.
This battle, which has simmered for years, recently resurfaced following Cat Williams’ explosive interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay.” Now, new revelations from Samuel L. Jackson have added even more layers to this already complicated drama.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Revelations: The Hidden Rivalry in Comedy
During a live Q&A session, Samuel L. Jackson allegedly made some eye-opening comments regarding the tension between Cat Williams and Steve Harvey. According to Jackson, the rivalry between the two comedians didn’t start with the now-famous Club Shay Shay interview—it had been brewing for years. One key moment that exposed this tension to insiders was the 2017 Def Comedy Jam 25th Anniversary Special.
At the event, Dave Chappelle took a moment to publicly praise Cat Williams, acknowledging his talent and contributions to comedy. The crowd cheered, and even fellow comedians in the room smiled in approval. However, Steve Harvey’s reaction stood out. Instead of joining in the praise, Harvey appeared visibly uncomfortable. In what seemed like an attempt to shift the attention away from Williams, Harvey interjected, saying, “I’m nervous as hell right now.”
According to Jackson, this wasn’t just a casual remark—it was a sign of deeper insecurity. Steve Harvey, despite his immense success in television, had always been wary of Cat Williams’ talent. He reportedly feared that Williams’ comedic brilliance could overshadow his own achievements. This moment at Def Comedy Jam wasn’t an isolated incident—it was just one of many signs of an ongoing power struggle.
The 2008 Comedy Battle That Changed Everything
One of the most critical turning points in this feud was a stand-up comedy showdown between Steve Harvey and Cat Williams in 2008. Dubbed the “Championship of Stand-Up Comedy,” the event was held in Detroit in front of 10,000 people. According to reports, Cat Williams dominated the competition, delivering razor-sharp jokes that left Harvey struggling to keep up.
During the battle, Williams took several jabs at Harvey, including one particularly brutal joke about his hair. At the time, Harvey was known for his high-top fade haircut, which many young men admired. However, Williams allegedly exposed Harvey for wearing a wig, shocking the audience and leaving the talk show host humiliated.
After this battle, Steve Harvey gradually stepped away from stand-up comedy, focusing instead on his television career. Cat Williams has since claimed that he “ended” Harvey’s stand-up career that night. If this is true, it explains why Harvey has continued to harbor resentment toward Williams over the years.
Cedric the Entertainer’s Role in the Feud
Another major figure in this drama is Cedric the Entertainer, a long-time friend and collaborator of Steve Harvey. According to Cat Williams, Cedric also had a personal history of undercutting him.
Williams claims that in 1998, he performed a standout joke on BET’s Comic View—a joke so good that the network used it in promotional commercials. However, two years later, Cedric the Entertainer allegedly stole the joke and used it in his set for “The Kings of Comedy.” The only difference? Cedric changed one small detail, swapping Williams’ “car” for a “spaceship.”
Williams has been vocal about this alleged theft, claiming that it was a huge betrayal because Cedric had personally watched him perform the joke. According to Williams, Cedric even approached him after the performance to compliment the bit—only to steal it later.
When Cedric appeared at the 2017 Def Comedy Jam event, he reportedly sided with Steve Harvey in trying to downplay Cat Williams’ achievements. While Dave Chappelle was praising Williams, Cedric appeared tense, nervously laughing and waiting for the conversation to move on. When Harvey interrupted, Cedric immediately backed him up, seemingly trying to shift attention away from Williams.
Why Are Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer Afraid of Cat Williams?
According to Samuel L. Jackson, both Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer fear Cat Williams—not because of physical confrontation, but because of his raw talent.
Williams’ ability to command attention, deliver sharp humor, and expose industry secrets makes him a threat to veteran comedians who have long enjoyed the spotlight. Unlike Harvey and Cedric, Williams has never relied on mainstream television for success—his popularity has always been rooted in his stand-up abilities.
Additionally, Williams has never been afraid to speak out against Hollywood politics. He has called out comedians for stealing jokes, criticized the industry’s treatment of Black comedians, and openly accused certain figures of being gatekeepers who suppress talent. This outspokenness makes him a dangerous figure for those who prefer to control the narrative.
The Allegations Against Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer
Beyond the personal rivalries, Cat Williams has accused Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and even Ricky Smiley of conspiring against the late Bernie Mac.
Williams claims that while these comedians publicly praised Bernie Mac, they were secretly jealous of his talent and tried to undermine his career. He specifically accused Steve Harvey of being envious of Bernie’s acting skills, suggesting that Harvey never achieved the same level of success in film.
One of Williams’ most shocking claims is that during The Kings of Comedy Tour, Harvey and the others intentionally placed Bernie Mac as the opening act, believing that he would fail to impress audiences. However, Bernie Mac’s performance was so legendary that he ended up stealing the show—further intensifying Harvey’s resentment.
The Lasting Impact of the Feud
The feud between Cat Williams, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer is far from over. While Williams continues to thrive in stand-up, Harvey has built an empire in television, and Cedric remains a respected comedian and actor. However, their history of rivalry and alleged betrayals has forever shaped the way fans view them.
What makes this feud particularly fascinating is how deeply personal and multi-layered it is. It’s not just about comedy—it’s about ego, career sabotage, and the struggle for dominance in the entertainment industry.
At the heart of it all is Cat Williams, a comedian who refuses to be silenced, even when facing some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is clear: he’s not afraid to expose the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for others.
As for Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer? Whether they truly fear Williams or simply dislike him, one thing remains certain: whenever he enters the conversation, they can’t ignore him.