Billionaire Tyler Perry reveals why he fired his aunt and financially cut off family members: I’m not ‘welfare’
Share and Follow

Tyler Perry is keeping his (credit) cards close to his chest.

The media mogul, who amassed a net worth upwards of $1.4 billion, revealed that he doesn’t believe in providing family members with handouts.

What’s more, the Hollywood filmmaker said that he once went so far as to fire his aunt from a job because she didn’t take it seriously enough.

During an appearance on the YouTube series “Den of Kings,” Perry spoke firmly about his approach to finances, mentioning a family member who frequently requested money.

“She claimed she wanted a job, but would consistently call to ask for money, and I would oblige,” he shared with host Kirk Franklin and fellow guests Derrick Hayes and Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins.

“I said, ‘Listen, I want to help you. I want to help you build this thing, not be welfare to you. So, let me give you a job.’”

But the “Madea Goes to Jail” star said his aunt was constantly calling off sick, which forced him to put his foot down.

“I eventually had to tell her, ‘Well, you have to leave,’” he recounted. “You expect me to give you money without wanting to earn it. That doesn’t align with my values.”

Perry, who was recently slapped with a $250M sexual assault suit, admitted that he has adopted a similar approach when raising his 10-year-old son, Aman.

“I don’t believe in giving us things that are just going to handicap us,” he shared. “That is the worst thing you can do.”

The director said that he sent letters to family members that his mother had asked him to help out with financially after she died in 2009.

In the letter, he told his family members they had 60 days to get a job.

“I’m not going to keep supporting you like that,” he told them, adding that all family members ended up finding employment.

“And it wasn’t even, like, jobs where they made a lot of money, but it was a job,” he said. “It was something else for them to do, feel some pride in. That’s the same thing I would want someone to do for me.”

Perry currently boasts a net worth of $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. He owns 100% of the projects he creates, with his most successful franchise to date, “Madea,” grossing over $660 million.

It’s not the first time Perry had opened up about his parenting choices.

During an appearance on “The Sherri Shepherd Show” in December 2024, the filmmaker revealed that his son only gets “books and Legos” for Christmas, and that the pair fly coach.

“He was complaining once, this was about five years ago, he was complaining about flying commercial because the lines were so long,” he shared.

Perry said that he and Aman’s mother, Gelila Bekele, came to a mutual agreement that their child would be flying commercial from then on out.

“So he understands, I worked, he did not. So when he works, he can learn that lesson,” he said.

“He’s not gonna be one of those ridiculously spoiled rich kids, I can’t stand that. He ain’t got no money.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Thirtysomething' actor faces child sexual abuse charges in New Mexico after turning himself in

Former ‘Thirtysomething’ Star Surrenders to New Mexico Authorities on Child Abuse Charges

Authorities in Albuquerque have issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Busfield, charging…
Trump delivers tough love message to ICE shooting victim's MAGA father

Trump’s Candid Message to MAGA Supporter: Addressing the Tragedy of ICE Shooting Victim’s Father

President Donald Trump has expressed a mixed message to the family of…
Afghan illegal immigrant who stabbed sister for being 'bad Muslim girl' arrested by ICE agents in New York

ICE Agents Detain Afghan Immigrant in NYC: Stabbing Incident Sparks Cultural and Legal Debate

An Afghan national with a prior conviction for attempting to murder his…
The power couple loved by Trump and loathed by liberals

Inside the Controversial World of Trump’s Favorite Power Couple: A Love-Hate Saga

If there was anything that unnerved Donald Trump’s critics more than his…
Chicago-area weather forecast: Several inches of snow expected for NW Indiana Wednesday, Thursday in La Porte, County Indiana

Heavy Snowfall Predicted for NW Indiana: La Porte County Braces for Midweek Winter Blast

CHICAGO (WLS) — Northern Indiana is bracing for significant lake-effect snow, with…
Bill and Hillary Clinton risk contempt of Congress charges after failing to testify at Jeffrey Epstein hearing

Bill and Hillary Clinton Face Potential Contempt of Congress Charges for Nonappearance at Jeffrey Epstein Hearing

In a development that has stirred political and public interest, both Bill…
Tennessee Highway Patrol debunks viral claims protester was struck by trooper vehicle

Fact Check: Tennessee Highway Patrol Clears the Air on Viral Protester Incident

Dashcam footage has surfaced showing a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer deftly maneuvering…
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, or OBAP, celebrates 50 years, partners with American Airlines

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: OBAP Teams Up with American Airlines for a New Era in Black Aerospace Excellence

CHICAGO — A pioneering initiative aimed at supporting Black pilots is marking…