Source discounts claims by Steve Harvey ex

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The ex-wife of comedian Steve Harvey wasn't destitute and willingly sent their young son to see his dad, a former assistant to Mary Harvey claims.

The onetime employee told UsMagazine.com that Mary was getting plenty of money – about $40,000 per month – from Harvey during the couple's 2005 divorce proceedings.

The split came up again recently when Mary posted a series of YouTube videos claiming Harvey was unfaithful to her, left her broke and also unilaterally took custody of their 13-year-old son, Wynton, UsMagazine.com said Saturday.

The assistant, whose name was not revealed, said sending Wynton to live with his father was actually her idea. "Mary was overwhelmed and asked me to get a ticket and put Wynton on the plane to his father," the assistant said. "I put him on the plane and let Steve know."

UsMagazine.com said Steve Harvey said on his syndicated radio show that his family life was "off limits" and added, "I know the truth."