Tyler Perry has recently taken the opportunity to address the criticisms leveled against him for not having a writers room on his various film and television projects. The billionaire media mogul and filmmaker has faced backlash over his unique creative processes, often being the sole writer of many episodes for his shows and films like the Madea franchise. During discussions surrounding his latest Netflix film, 'The Six Triple Eight,' Perry offered insights on why he has chosen to operate without additional writers.
"I don't take in the criticism," Perry shared during his candid conversation with USA TODAY. He explained the reason behind the lack of help from writers, pointing to the significant challenges and racism he endured throughout his career. He stated, "If people understood why there was no writers room or what I had to deal with, they would have more empathy." His experiences, he asserted, shaped his resilience and led him to stand firm on his own strength as he managed to pen countless episodes himself.
Perry also described how the racial barriers confronted as he rose through Hollywood propelled him to create without conventional support systems, saying, "It was a racist moment with the WGA (the Writers Guild of America)...that made me stand strong and take charge of my writing." He believes if people understood the backstory, there would be greater support rather than criticism. He added, "But because I'm someone who doesn't go around sharing everything I've experienced, it leaves room for speculation."
Alongside pushing back against critics, Perry emphasized his desire to inspire. Recalling moments of receiving high accolades, he noted, "When people start saying, 'Oh, you're an icon,' there are always targets put on your back—and nobody wants to be a target." He remarked on how the expectations associated with his celebrity status often lead to criticism, and even though he may not enjoy being at the forefront, he intends to focus on his purpose and positive influence.
For him, ignoring reviews has become second nature. He recounted how, during the early days of his theater work, he observed two critics—a contrasting view between one celebrating his work and the other harshly condemning it sparked his decision to avoid review-based judgments. "They both saw the same show; one thought it was amazing, the other thought it was horrible. I don’t give energy to those opinions either way," Perry explained, reinforcing his commitment to creating authentic content rather than catering to critics.
This holiday season evokes deep emotional currents for Perry, particularly as he navigates grief from both his mother's passing—an event he described as having brought tremendous sorrow—and the recent loss of Steve Mensch, the president of Tyler Perry Studios, who died tragically in a plane crash. Reflecting on his personal grief, he noted, "When she died, everything in me died," speaking to the immeasurable impact of his mother's death back in December 2009 and how these losses intersect with his current life and work.
Perry captured the sentiment by saying, "I'm just trying to get to the end of the press tour so I can check in on myself...I think it's important to be honest with yourself" as he acknowledges the complexity of being both successful and deeply human. His candid thoughts reveal Perry's prioritization of healing and self-reflection, which he finds necessary during significant anniversaries such as these.
At the heart of Tyler Perry's endeavors lies his determination to uplift and motivate others through storytelling. He reiterated, "I want to make sure what I'm doing is inspiring and encouraging people," as he continues to thrive amid scrutiny and personal loss. His quiet strength speaks to the essence of why he creates, reminding followers and critics alike of the depths of his creative process rooted not only in art but also layered intricately with life experiences, struggles, and the aim to connect with audiences on meaningful levels.
