Steve Harvey's challenge to Oscars host Chris Rock

Steve Harvey isn't among the artists calling for Chris Rock to step down as Oscars host amid controversy over the lack of diversity among nominees - and instead issued a challenge.

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Image: The Steve Harvey Show

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"The Academy Awards are this Sunday and as you know a number of actors are either protesting this ceremony or boycotting it altogether," Harvey said during a segment of his show. "It led to the hashtag 'Oscars So White' trending on Twitter.

That sets up quite the dilemma for the show’s host, my buddy, personal friend Chris Rock. He has got to host this show. It’s absolutely wrong for them to ask him to not to. I don’t know if you remember his standup routine, 'Bigger and Blacker.' Well, tonight, Chris, I need you to be bigger and blacker.

I want you to be so black that you represent the 40 actors that ain’t coming that night. So yes, Chris Rock should do it and I can’t wait to tune in!"

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