Steve Harvey added his voice to the controversy over the Oscars’ lack of diversity, saying the ceremony needs Chris Rock. Speaking with Liz Hernandez of “Access Hollywood,” Harvey said he expects Rock to seize the opportunity to provide his own perspective on the issue.

“You let Chris Rock out there live on the Oscars, and you don’t think that Chris Rock is going to make several pointed comments about it? Oh, you better you believe he is,” Harvey said, adding: “Let the man do what he do, but he’s going to say something that night that will be beneficial to a lot of people.”

Harvey said he respects artists such as Jada Pinkett Smith who have chosen to steer clear of the Oscars ceremony, but he added: “I understand what everyone is saying, but right now I think we need a Chris Rock on that night. I really do. I think he’ll do more for it than [he would] not showing up.”