Mark “Mr. Cooper” Curry, best known for his role in the hit ’90s sitcom Hanging with Mr. Cooper, has recently made explosive claims against Steve Harvey, accusing the celebrated comedian and TV host of stealing his material.

Curry alleges that Harvey used his Halloween-themed jokes on more than one occasion, including on Harvey’s NBC talk show and his show Kids Say the Darndest Things.

This accusation has stirred significant controversy, given Harvey’s long-standing reputation as a comedy icon and beloved television personality.

The heart of Curry’s grievance lies in a personal story he crafted about wearing a brown box as a UPS costume every Halloween.

According to Curry, Harvey not only borrowed this bit but did so repeatedly, despite Curry confronting him directly.

“You’re taking money out of my pocket,” Curry said, emphasizing that Harvey, already wealthy and successful, didn’t need to use his material.

Curry’s frustration is palpable as he calls out Harvey publicly, demanding respect for original comedic work.

Steve Harvey, however, has flatly denied these accusations.

In response to Curry’s claims during an interview, Harvey dismissed the allegations as baseless and immature, telling Curry to “grow up” and questioning the validity of the stolen joke claims.

Harvey also pointed out that he hasn’t performed stand-up since 2015 and challenged Curry to specify which jokes were stolen, implying that Curry’s accusations lack evidence.

Yet, Curry didn’t stop at verbal claims.

He shared a now-deleted video on Instagram comparing his original sitcom episode from the 1990s with Harvey’s 2015 show, highlighting the striking similarity in their Halloween bits.

Fans and fellow comedians have taken notice, with many expressing support for Curry and skepticism toward Harvey.

Some viewers noted that Curry has always been a genuine and original comedian, while Harvey has faced similar accusations from others over the years.

This feud sheds light on the broader, often murky world of comedy, where lines between inspiration, homage, and outright plagiarism can blur.

The entertainment industry is known for its slippery slope regarding intellectual property, and comedy is no exception.

Curry’s allegations are particularly compelling because he is not a struggling newcomer but a respected veteran with a significant career history.

Mark Curry’s journey in entertainment began in the 1980s, with his breakthrough role as Mark Cooper in the ABC sitcom Hanging with Mr.

Cooper, which aired from 1992 to 1997.

The show was a notable success, especially in its first season, tying ratings with juggernauts like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Curry’s comedic style, drawn from personal experiences and delivered with lively energy, earned him a dedicated fanbase through sold-out comedy tours and television appearances.

Despite his early success, Curry faced setbacks, including a serious injury in 2007 when an aerosol can exploded near him, causing severe burns and a medically induced coma.

This incident led to a period of depression, but with the support of friends like Sinbad and Richard Pryor, he returned to performing, albeit mostly in guest roles and stand-up tours.

On the other side, Steve Harvey’s rise to fame began in the early 1990s with stand-up and hosting gigs, including Showtime at the Apollo.

He gained massive popularity with the Kings of Comedy tour alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac.

However, Harvey’s career has not been without controversy.

Reports suggest tension between Harvey and his fellow comedians during the tour, with allegations of jealousy and rivalry surfacing over the years.

Harvey has since transitioned from stand-up to becoming a household name through television hosting roles on Family Feud, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and various daytime talk shows.

In recent years, he has expressed reluctance to return to stand-up due to concerns about cancel culture and the constraints it places on comedians’ freedom of expression.

The current dispute with Curry adds another chapter to the complex narrative surrounding Steve Harvey’s career.

It raises questions about originality, respect, and ethics in comedy—issues that have long plagued the industry.

While Harvey maintains his innocence, Curry’s evidence and the support he’s received from fans and peers suggest that this controversy is far from over.

For those interested in the full details of this heated exchange and the background stories of both comedians, the revelations about the comedy world’s inner workings, and the impact of these claims on their careers, there is much more to uncover.