Tyler Perry Says Spike Lee Criticizing Him “Stung Because I Have So Much Respect For Him”, But Adds “We Can Both Exist With Different Views”

Tyler Perry Talks ‘Finding A Way’ In A Pandemic, Being Vocal About Politics, & Reconciling With Spike Lee

Film and television mogul Tyler Perry‘s story is nothing short of amazing and most of us are very familiar with his extremely humble beginnings as a poor African-American child growing up in New Orleans and his current billionaire status and notoriety in the field of entertainment. We know he’s always credited his faith, determination, and wise guidance from his mother Maxine as the reason that he became so successful despite the fact that his first stageplay attempt completely bombed and he struggled through homelessness.

Tyler Perry

However, in a new interview Tyler Perry opens up about how his beginnings shaped his ability to always find a way even in a pandemic, why he believes in speaking his mind when it comes to politics, as well as reconciling with Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee who had once criticized the types of films he wrote.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the talented actor, writer, producer, and director found a way to ensure that he, his staff, and many actors and actresses were able to continue on with filming on his sprawling 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Tyler Perry reportedly devised a 30-page plan with the assistance and consultation of medical professionals that includes temperature checks, constant testing for the coronavirus, strict social distancing guidelines, staggered filming times, and so much more to make sure that everyone who entered Tyler Perry Studios during their allotted times of living on the property (which was another part of the plan) and filming on the property were indeed safe and coronavirus-free.

In his recent comments, he indicated that he wanted to be able to provide an “out” and positivity to people through the productions after so many people were dealing with so many things, including the pandemic. He said:

We’ve all been drafted on the worst reality show that’s ever been produced, and none of us have been paid for it. For the last four and a half years or so, we have been dragged through the wringer, and it is completely exhausting. So many people are exhausted at the division, at the hate, at the pandemic — people are just exhausted and angry and frustrated. And if the people who bring hope [and] positivity give up, then the world has lost its balance.

Tyler continued:

Negativity screams, and positivity whispers. So we just need more whisperers to help people. I know this sounds cliché and some people may think it’s bulls—, but the truth is, I’ve lived long enough and experienced enough good and bad to know that good wins when everybody pushes in that direction.

Tyler Perry

He also said that because of all the things he had been through, he understood the importance and necessity of finding a way to get things done even in a pandemic:

As I entered into Hollywood, it was always about finding a way. I’ve never had an open door, or an invitation or opportunity, while I watched my white brothers and sisters get opportunity after opportunity, no matter if their shows or movies fail or not.

I understand that this is the hand that I was dealt. This Black skin that encompasses me is beautiful. I’m not going to apologize for it. I’m not going to be ashamed of it. But I’m going to make it work for me and for us.

When it comes to politics, Tyler‘s not shied from speaking his mind on the subject and didn’t mince words in his recent interview. In this presidential election year, he clarified that he’s not really affiliated with the Republican party or the Democratic party. He said:

I really, truly don’t want to get political. What I want people to do is vote because everybody has very strong opinions about this. As do I. I have very, very strong feelings about the current administration. I have very strong feelings about a lot that’s going on. But I’m neither Democrat [nor] Republican — I’m an independent thinker. I vote for who I think is best to run the country.

Tyler Perry