Steve Harvey is receiving backlash following a leaked memo where the daytime talk show warned his Steve Harvey crew not to "ambush" or visit his dressing room "uninvited."

Robert Feder published Harvey's message on his blog Wednesday.

Harvey wrote, “I promise you I will not entertain you in the hallway, and do not attempt to walk with me.” At the end of the seemingly stern note, the 60-year-old host and author concluded on a lighter note saying, "Everyone, do not take offense to the new way of doing business. It is for the good of my personal life and enjoyment. Thank you all."

Photo: @markarum / Twitter

The note immediately spread like wildfire on social media, with Harvey becoming the center of criticism and jokes (but his day wasn't as bad as Bow Wow's roast). 

Thursday, Harvey spoke exclusively with Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier not backing away from his stern message "asking everyone to simply honor and respect" privacy.

"I've always had a policy where, you know, you can come and talk to me—so many people are great around here, but some of them just started taking advantage of it," Harvey said.

In defending his statement, what he really means is:

Photo:Tumblr

Let's unpack this.

Twitter reading the leaked email.

Photo: Family Feud

Me reading the leaked email.

Photo: Braxton Family Values

I don't buy into his cringeworthy love advice for women, but his memo rang loud and clear.

There are two sides to this. First, we must acknowledge that Steve and any other individual in the public spotlight signed up for this. You are a public figure meaning you are a willing participant in the oldest sport; people watching. Everyone is studying your every move. Anyone in a high-powered position forfeits much of their right to privacy. People often assume they have the right to your space the moment they feel any association with your presence.

Beyoncé, the most sought after celebrity, must have a force field of God's hand shielding her from the burden of people. The attention she receives is enough to drive any sane person nuts. The woman will never be able to do something as small as drive to a Starbucks, walk inside, wait in line, purchase a frappe, tell the Barista her name, and walk back to the car on her own. Those days are over.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. It's amazing how the Kylie Jenners of the world actually make a career wanting people to look at them.

But there's another side that Steve Harvey critics fail to realize. People are draining AF.

Imagine every time you get a break, there is someone in your face asking you questions, giving unsolicited feedback, or asking for a favor. Just the thought is tiring.

Photo: Giphy

For us regular folk, Steve Harvey's plea is similar to unwanted DMs, "hey stranger texts",  annoying coworkers, etc. People want what they want when they want it and give zero damns about inconveniencing you in the process. They're vampires of energy, craving every ounce of what you exude, sometimes unintentionally. When people think that you have something to offer that can elevate their own agenda, you best believe they'll use deceptive or aggressive means to ensure personal gain.

Just two days ago, I kindly told my Facebook friends to stop sending me messages. The place that once provided respite and shameless lurking is now a burden. I deactivated my app and refused to install messenger. Forget the "Hey, how are you? Hope all is well." I open my Facebook inbox to reels from actors, links to press releases, and questions about how to become an actor.

Me when I log on Facebook:

Photo: America's Next Top Model

I've worked as a news producer in a top 25 market. The morning show I produced afforded me opportunities to meet celebrities, politicians, influencers and all-around dope people. I remember posting a photo of me and D.L. Hughley on FB and the inquiries began. Folks who wouldn't normally give me a second look on the street were all of a sudden diving into the deep end of my inbox curious about my job, what it entails, and how I could get them on the show. The most dreadful of them all were the men I'd meet who found out what I did for a living and would ask me out for a date with the intent of pitching a segment over drinks. As Steve Harvey said, yes, this is an "ambush." While I am by no means a celebrity or the "elite", it is frustrating when people disregard my comfort for their selfish gain.

Sure, we all need help getting to where we're going in life. But also, leeches and opportunists are real. I've been fortunate to have great mentors and a tight network of genuine people to guide me on my journey. I try not to become an information hoarder, mindful of how I respond and that I've been the person on the other end desperate for help. To handle these requests, I redirect them to an external resource like a link to an how-to article.

(Note: If people are constantly seeking a consultation, you are now a consultant. Charge a consultant fee.)

At one point in time, I found celebrities to be standoffish and downright rude, especially the ones who seem to busy for fans. That's not exactly true, even for the greatest jackass swimming in fame. At the end of the day, they're regular people entitled to peace. Unless you put boundaries in place, people will wear out their welcome.

While the tone of Steve Harvey's frankness in his memo lacked appreciation, seeing as how these people are paid to care about the success of his career, you have to take control of how people treat you. He deserves quiet moments just like you and me.

“If you are silent about your pain, they'll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” -Zora Neal Hurston

Hear more about Harvey's explanation for the memo in this Entertainment Tonight exclusive.

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