Steve Harvey's Birthday Message to Daughter Lori Sparks Mixed Reactions Online

While many netizens found the birthday message unfair to and hurtful for the comedian's other children, some people showered the birthday girl with love and praise.

Hollywood beauty Lori Harvey recently celebrated her 29th birthday, and her doting stepdad, Steve Harvey, marked the special event with an endearing post.

Lori entered Steve's life after her mother, Marjorie Harvey, tied the knot with the actor years ago. Together, Steve and Marjorie have a combined total of seven children who make up their blended family, which the couple has spoken about before.

Steve's Doting Birthday Post for Lori

The post, which features a glowing Lori sitting before a candlelit cake, radiates warmth and fatherly pride. With a few simple words and a heartfelt nickname, Steve made it clear just how cherished Lori is in his life. The intimate moment captured in the photo — Lori beaming in a bold green ensemble as she prepares to blow out her candles — quickly garnered attention online.

While the gesture was intended to celebrate Lori's special day, it inadvertently opened the door to a deeper conversation about family dynamics and perceived favoritism.

Social Media Turns Savage and Accusatory

Several netizens took issue with the depth of affection Steve expressed, especially considering his larger blended family. One person remarked, ".. His favorite child being his step daughter [sic] is insane," while another opined, "He act like this his real child and his only child [sic]."

Echoing those sentiments, someone else expressed, "Daddy princess when that's not your real child is crazy [sic]," and another added, "Daddy? That's not ur [sic] daughter.. that sounds weird."

Others expressed concern over how Steve's biological children might have felt in response. "Bet it's hurtful to his older daughters that he pays her so much attention," one viewer speculated. Another chimed in with a succinct comparison, "Brian McKnight syndrome😭," referencing the R&B singer's own history of public scrutiny over family favoritism.

A more blunt reaction simply noted, "🤢 Wild activity for a step dad [sic]." Still, not everyone viewed the tribute through a critical lens.

On the Flip Side, Fans Shower the Birthday Girl with Love

Many fans focused solely on celebrating Lori's big day. "Gorgeous, just like her momma. 😉," praised one admirer.

Others shared warm birthday wishes, with comments like "happy bday lori you look stunningg😍 [sic]" and "What a gorgeous young woman!" peppering Steve's social media feed.

Forgotten Daughters? Steve's Complex past with His Twins

Among those many believed to be affected by Steve's perceived favoritism are his twin daughters, Brandi and Karli Harvey, from his first marriage to Marcia Harvey. In a 2016 interview with People, the entertainer candidly reflected on how his pursuit of a comedy career came at a steep personal cost.

"I'm married, I have twins [...] I'm supposed to provide for them, but I had to take this chance," he recalled, referencing the difficult early days of his stand-up journey.

Steve also shared that he made only $3,000 in his first year as a comedian, a financial and emotional strain that contributed to the unraveling of his and Marcia's marriage.

He and Marcia finalized their divorce in 1994, and in the process, his bond with his daughters suffered, which took a significant emotional toll on Steve.

A Blended Family... And the Backlash That Came with It

In the wake of emotional turmoil and fractured relationships, Steve eventually found renewed purpose and stability after marrying Marjorie in 2007. But building a harmonious blended household wasn't without its own set of hurdles.

With seven children between them — including Steve's twins Brandi and Karli, his sons Broderick and Wynton Harvey, and Marjorie's kids, Lori, Morgan, and Jason Harvey — the couple faced initial resistance as they attempted to merge their families.

"I said, 'Look, you don't like it? Deal with it. I don't need y'all's permission,'" Steve told People in 2016, reflecting on the candid approach he took with his kids.

Marjorie, however, opted for a softer, more nurturing tone. "When you're dealing with a blended family, everyone is coming from a place of broken," she explained. Her message was one of inclusion and healing — "Everyone has access to their parents. Whatever you didn't have before, don't let that interfere with what you can have now."

Over time, her words began to take root, slowly helping to mend fractured ties. "Now," she added, "we're Mom and Dad to everybody."

As Steve's career continued to flourish — from bestselling author to television mainstay — he credited much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife. "It was like being reborn," he shared. "I messed up so many times in my life. She made all the difference. When you're happy at home, you can make a lot of things happen."

While Steve's birthday tribute to Lori Harvey sparked mixed emotions online, it also served as a reminder of the complexities that come with love, growth, and second chances.

In the public eye and behind closed doors, families — especially blended ones — are rarely without their challenges. But through open dialogue, reflection, and grace, healing remains possible.