“The show has been under fire for years for pushing boundaries, but this is one of the most controversial scenarios they’ve had in a long time,” says an insider.
Viewers’ eyebrows shot up when jokes about “free balling” and other crude innuendos peppered the dialogue, which kicked off when Steve asked Ts if he could call her Ts.
“Of course. Listen, I take it short or long,” Madison cooed suggestively.
Harvey, 68, looked straight at the camera, feigning a look of shock.
“Steve Harvey, it’s okay to free ball, we’re free balling today,” Ts purred, alluding to men who don’t wear underwear.
Fans were quick to vent their anger on social media. “Whatever individuals that ‘green lighted’ this show need to be fired. Another notch in Disney’s decline,” one fumed.
“Well that’s one show I won’t be watching,” another chimed in.
Show insiders agreed, griping, “Being tacky and obnoxious to get ratings — it’s blown the roof open.”
“Even Steve is getting caught in the crossfire and he’s used to being the jovial guy who everyone likes, but not anymore. People are accusing him of pandering to the contestants, no matter how over the top and inappropriate they get,” says the insider.
So now bosses are discussing the show’s future, “but there’s a difference of opinion on how far the jokes should go and whether they should take a totally different route,” says the source.
“There’s an inquest going on with people asking how it happened in the first place and what they’re going to do going forward to avoid these catastrophes.”
Adds the insider, “The powers that be don’t want to lose Steve, but they’ve got to clean up and do better!”
