Comedian/radio personality, Steve Harvey, and Bill Cosby go way back like Cracker Jacks. So much so, that according to Harvey, Cosby did a very interesting thing to protect him in recent years. It all started after Cosby became the center of controversy, following the many sexual assault allegations that surfaced against him.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Harvey discussed what it’s been like watching a man who is like his hero, go through the legal troubles he’s having now. In discussing that, Steve revealed why Cosby told him to “stay away” from him.

Cosby To Harvey: “Stay Away”

Harvey recalled what Cosby demanded he do, in order to protect him:

“When I heard all the trouble he [Cosby] was in, I called and asked him how he was doing. You know what he says to me? ‘Hey man, I appreciate you calling, but just stay away from me right now. You don’t need none of this on you. You’re doing good. Whatever happens to me, happens to me, but don’t get none of this on you,'” revealed Harvey. “That’s an amazing thing for a guy to say.”

What Cosby Did For Harvey’s Kids & Why He’s Forever Grateful

Although Steve says it’s now been months since he’s last spoken with Cosby, he remains closely connected to him out of loyalty for what Cosby’s done for his career and his children:

“When I’m your friend, I’m your friend. […] And Bill Cosby helped my sons at Morehouse (College), and he taught me how to do this business. He didn’t even know me and he taught me how to do this business.”

Steve Harvey may not have much to say to his staff members (LOL, sorry I couldn’t resist that one), but at least he had a few interesting things to say about his friend, Bill Cosby.

Speaking of Cosby, he’s prepping for his April 2018 sex assault retrial against accuser, Andrea Constand, and he’s got a new legal team this time.