Writer/producer/director/actor Tyler Perry arrives at a screening of Lionsgate Films' "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family" at the Cinerama Dome Theater on April 19, 2011 in Los Angeles
*Tyler Perry went off on Spike Lee and other folk critical of his “Madea” films when asked about it yet again during a press conference for his new film “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”
“I’m so sick of hearing about damn Spike Lee,” Perry told reporters Tuesday in Beverly Hills. “Spike can go straight to hell! You can print that. I am sick of him talking about me, I am sick of him saying, ‘this is a coon, this is a buffoon.’ I am sick of him talking about black people going to see movies. This is what he said: ‘you vote by what you see,’ as if black people don’t know what they want to see.
“I am sick of him – he talked about Whoopi, he talked about Oprah, he talked about me, he talked about Clint Eastwood. Spike needs to shut the hell up!”
(L-R) Tyler Perry, actors Loretta Devine, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss and Shannon Kane pose at the after party for the screening of Lionsgate Films' "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family" at Opera/Crimson Club on April 19, 2011 in Los Angeles.
EURweb’s Lee Bailey asked Perry to discuss an email he recently sent to his website fans expressing frustration with the hate he receives from within his own community.
“I was writing about just people and how hard people work to discourage people from seeing my work,” he told Bailey at the press conference. [Scroll down to listen.] “I don’t even understand it [but] this is where the whole Spike Lee [comment] comes from – the negativity, this is Stepin Fetchit, this is coonery, this is buffoonery, and they try to get people to get on this bandwagon with them, to get this mob mentality to come against what I’m doing.
“I’ve never seen Jewish people attack Seinfeld and say ‘this is a stereotype,’ I’ve never seen Italian people attack ‘The Sopranos,’ I’ve never seen Jewish people complaining about ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ or Dustin Hoffman in ‘Tootsie.’ I never saw it. It’s always black people, and this is something that I cannot undo.
“Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois went through the exact same thing; Langston Hughes said that Zora Neale Hurston, the woman who wrote ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God,’ was a new version of the ‘darkie’ because she spoke in a southern dialect and a Southern tone. And I’m sick of it from us; we don’t have to worry about anybody else trying to destroy us and take shots because we do it to ourselves.”
Listen to Perry’s response and read the email about his critics below.
Below: Tyler Perry’s latest letter to fans:
A Message from Tyler Perry – THEY ARE TRYING TO KILL MADEA! COME
TALK TO ME LIVE!
You know I don’t dwell in negativity. I try and stay above it, but I wanted to say this to you. You and I both know that there are folks out there that work overtime trying to keep people from seeing my movies. Even though I don’t say anything, it doesn’t mean that I’m not aware of it.
They say all kinds of things about the films, Madea and me. They call me everything, but a child of God. I even had someone tell me in a press conference that I don’t have a “white” following. We all know that is not true. Had they been on tour with me they would know White folks, Black folks, Asian folks, Latin folks, Navajo folks, and everyone in between was there laughing side-by-side having a good time.
It’s crazy the things people print without any facts. What is also interesting is how hard they work to try and discourage you from going to see my films, as if you don’t know what you enjoy. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about! But it’s okay, you know why? Because I know that they don’t get it! They don’t get the spiritual side of this, they don’t get the folks that not only laugh, but also get something out of it that they can use to make their lives better. They don’t get that this is about more than making a movie and telling a funny story. They don’t get that it’s about uplifting and encouraging the soul. They don’t get that most of you have been with me long before they knew who I was, and they don’t get that you have my back. And to tell you the truth, it doesn’t matter if they get it or not, as long as you do. I thank God for you every day. You know what you enjoy, you know what makes you laugh and gives you a bit of uplift after you’ve seen it. So come laugh with me this weekend with Madea.
MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY opens in theaters this Friday. You know how important the first weekend is, so I sure hope you are planning to go out and see it. I promise you, MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY is funnier than them all. You will laugh ’till you hurt, so take some aspirin to the movies with you.
THIS LINE IS FROM MADEA (say it in your best Madea voice) ”All y’all that squirt a lil pee when you laugh, be careful!” ..LOL
I’ll be on the message board all weekend waiting to hear from you.
ALSO, BIG NOTE HERE!!!!
WEDNESDAY, April 20th, from 1:30 until 2:00pm Eastern, I will be taking your questions live at this link http://tylerperry.com/live. I want to talk about HOUSE OF PAYNE and Madea. Who knows, she may even take your questions. See you live Wednesday!
WOW! Tyler did not leave any stone unturned did he??
I agree with ‘some’ of what TP is saying. He’s incorrect about others not criticizing their own when it comes to images they disagree upon. At least TP is giving more Black actors roles than Spike is.
I was very disappointed in “For Colored Girls”, however, there should be room for a wide spectrum of art beyond Spike Lee’s movies.
I prefer Spike Lee’s work. But on occasion, Tyler can be entertaining. We have so few voices in Hollywood, Spike needs to be more considerate.
I agree that Spike needs to be more considerate. Guess there’s no way he and TP can ever collaborate on any future projects. My feeling is Spike is a tad jealous of TP’s loyal following/base that serves to support and encourage him as he ups his game.
Jealous is the Strawman argument. Thats a bunch of croc.
thank you Tyler, even though his movies seem a bit repititious, I really enjoy them because unlike Spike’s movies, I want to laugh, not analyze. There’s room for every body. I’m gonna 2nd it…Spike shut-the-hell-up!
I’M with you Tyler.You are soooo right about Spike Lee and others.We black people are our own demise.Well not to worry, because about 60 of us are taking our parents and just seniors to see your movie on Easter Sunday.In fact it will be before and after church.Your movies are truly a blessing,we all get your messages
while taking in a little fun.These are the only movies that I can take my parents
to see and they love and enjoy them.No drugs,gun-killing or tits & azz.My thing is this,if it’s not your cup-of-tea then fine don’t go see it.But don’t put down one of the few black brothers that is doing something with his craft,but most of all he gives back.Has everyone forgotten about how many black people are employed
especially when he’s filming.How about the house he rebuilt for that grandmother in Georgia.Where’s Spike lee’s house.As a
New Yorker I have not seen him do one damn thing here for anyone but the Knicks.
Did everyone know that Russell Simons is
a “Slum Lord” to his own people in Brooklyn?
I could go on and on,but I will say this we as a people and everyone around us better open up your eyes about who to support.We are loosing jobs at an alarming rate,take a minute when you can and start to look at all the clothes and merchandise that you purchase.Nothing is made in America anymore(CHINA) but we are expected to buy it.A great deal of chinese are going home because all of the jobs are there because all of american manufacturing is done there.People wake up,Tyler Perry is the least of your worries.Look around you,the “Mexicans” have
taken over North Carolina,my cousins husband who is a contractor who builds homes has not had steady work in two years
and had to lay off poeple.”Wake-up People”
who do you really want to support????
You act like nobody can criticize anybody black cause they black. That’s dumb. This is your opinion and that’s cool, don’t minimize anyone else’s opinion cause you like him\her.
I dislike the cooning and negative black stereotypes he puts forth. Money shouldn’t be your God.
wow. he came out swinging. good for him
Her mad with little old Spike? It make her Vagina hurt?
His pink panties are in a bunch. Can’t take the heat?
I bet he’s “More Man” than you’ll ever be!
Yeah to another man
I’m so glad Tyler refused to be intimidated by the small pitbull name Spike Lee and spoke up for himself and his work. At the end of the day you either like his films or you don’t and if you don’t then don’t see his movies – it’s that simple. All the other mean-spirited BS that Spike and other’s like him keep inserting is simply uncalled for. Tyler I say continue to keep it 100 and do your thing. I will definitely come out this weekend with $13 in my hand to support your movies and that’s that! Be encouraged, TP. As for Mr. Lee, as much as I loved your movies, I want you to know that I am extremely disappointed and ask that you stop hating NOW! Man, you know better!
Him Spike so mean to poor old Miss Perry? Awwww.
You sound like a real “Prick”.
Co-sign! People have a right to their opinions but Spike should stop riding down on TP in public forums. He also should not set himself up as an enemy of TP’s simply because they write and produce vastly different types of films.
Melody > > That’s a very good point.
Bunch of women gonna respond to this.
The “Real Men” are on here as well,and they’re responding azz-wipe.
U act like he gave u a baby or something? LOL
There is room for both Perry and Lee in Black Hollywood. Spike s as if you have to be accepted by him if you want to make an African American movie- as if he is THE expert on blackness.
In white Hollywood you do not see the director of “The King’s Speech” degrading the director of “The Hangover”. They are 2 very different movies geared towards different a audience.
typos- sorry
Tyler, get over it. I don’t know WHY you think you’re immune from the criticism that we launch on ourselves. Spike himself has been criticized for his movies.
Most people criticized “funny” movies like Soul Plane, The Cookout and even “The Caddy.” But what you shouldn’t do is put yourself anywhere near the work of Hughes and Neal Hurston cuz you work sir, in no possible way, compares to theirs.
Hell, we got tired of the Love Jones-era of black love stories and started criticizing them too.
And you’re supposed to be immune? HA!
Like She is above being criticized. Just cause you paid and people go to see your coonery, don’t make it right.
I’m not in total agreeance with Spike and I haven’t like ALL of his movies, but She needs to stop acting like a 12 yr old school girl. Big OL JUICY chic.
Why don’t you take your bytch-azz to Atlanta and say that to Tyler Perry’s
face.I dare you!
HA hA! Figured a woman would have responded.
Speak for yourself,”We” did not criticize
you did.Tyler Perry is not trying to compare his work to anyone.Hughes was a
Poet and Gay Man,and both he and Hurston who was gay also are long “dead”.There’s
plenty of work for everyone.Spike lee should “stay in his lane”.Oh I forgot these days he has no lane.He’s still pissed because none of you went to see “Miracle at St.Anna”.I saw it and it was a terrific movie,my father loved it.Spike wheres’your movie/play??
You cannot compare this spear chucker to Langston Hughes you nimrod.
Who cares if they are gay? Tyler Perry’s body of work has much to be desired IMHO. He is not uplifting or creating positive images, he just lining his pink pockets. He is putting forth the wrong message.
Just because you rich don’t make you right. You can protect your girlfriend all you want but I don’t have to purchase or watch his garbage. I didn’t say I didn’t like ANY of his movies or works. But 80 percent is Cooning.
Look you FREAK, whether or not TP’s body of work “has much to be desired” is your tired ass opinion. And you know what they say about opinions, “They Are Just Like Assholes, Everybodies Got One” !!!
Spike “STOP HATEIN” and do your own thing! There is plenty of room at the table for everyone… I for one will be in the theater this Friday along with a whole group of folks, and we are going to laugh our asses off…
So stick that in you pipe and smoke it jbfromptown, then chill baby chill!
Name calling love4parris shows your intelligence.
Oh wait, did Tyler choose homo poets for a reason or something? I don’t understand what their sexuality has to do with his defense against Spike.
But now you want spike to stay in his lane while at the same time arguing that there is enough room for both while complaining that we are our own worst enemy in what we choose to criticize. Hypocrite maybe?
Spike has been in the business long enough to not be pissed over the attention/lack thereof drawn to his movies.
Tyler needs to develop the same thin skin. But he won’t. Because so many women cloak him in a veil of protection and he knows it. Back in the In Living Color days, you couldn’t say nuffin “bad bout miss jenkins.” Now you can’t say nothing about Tyler.
LOL. The women are gonna kill us!!!
Apparently Spike’s skin isn’t that thick either, because I remember him taking offense to white critics on many of his movies back in the day when he was hot.
So the pot shouldn’t be calling the kettel black!
The beauty shop crowed will come and get you, be careful. They tried to pump up E Lynn Harris. LOL.
“Hell, we got tired of the Love Jones-era of black love stories and started criticizing them too.”
HUH?????
I loved those movies. They showed everyday black people living and loving, like most of us do in real life. I really wish they would start making those type of movies again.
And we also started complaining about seeing them. Love Jones, The Wood, Love and Basketball etc, despite the fact that we liked them.
Our feelings then was that we needed more “diversity” in the type of black films we have.
I can bet that if those movies came roaring back, we’ll start complaining again.
I understand your point. But as least with those you didn’t see all the shucking and jiving and negative Stereotypes.
it’s about time t.p. checked spike. i love what spike has done on film, but sometimes i dont want to go to the movies and have to do a bunch of socratic thinking. i just wanna eat my popcorn, my goobers, drink my dr. effn pepper and laugh. t.p. movies are good for the belly.
I am so tired of black people clowning Tyler Perry and his movies. If you don’t like them – then don’t go see them…period! We are our own worst enemy. This man is employing thousands of people and resurrecting a few thespians careers (male and female) – even Janet Jackson’s career has seen a spike in approval and her concerts, too! Spike has had a hit in years and I have yet to hear about him doing something for his [people]? When it was time for him to teach at a university – where did he teach? At a predominately white university! There are only a few black film makers -> Singleton, Perry, Lee, Fuqua, Lemmons, Lee (the guy that did Precious) and WInfrey (more of a producer). To have Spike to attack another brother is just true malice and jealousy! If you noticed, the KKK is taking a break because we are doing their work for them and that’s destroying our own people with; words, killings, molestation, disease, gangs, senseless violence, and lack of respect towards our women! Of all the races on this planet – why can’t we respect and have each others back? Filipino people are some of the most loyal groups of people because they stick together no matter what! If we had that same mentality we could accomplish so much and forge ahead and have others marvel at our accomplishments instead of tearing one another down! I am to the point I get nervous when I have to interact with my own people because people are so negative and love “drama” to no avail! I love my people, but dam, enough is ENOUGH!!!
So because Perry criticized Tyler, you, as a black man (i assume) chose to criticize another black man while complaining that it’s wrong to criticize each other. then you continue your attack against another black man because he chose to teach @ a white school.
Priceless!
LOL!!!!
jj’s presence lends credibility to tp’s movies. not the other way around. clown.
@timedog: jj’s presence lends credibility to tp’s movies. not the other way around. clown.
Spike Lee only likes black films that are directed by Spike Lee. I think it’s funny that Spike can dog Tyler Perry (BTW, I don’t care for the Madea movies either), but likes Woody Allen. Woody- a man who married his adopted daughter. EWWWW!!!!
LOL
Gotdamn! 41 comments? Really?!
That ain’t shit. Back in the days, it would be north of a 100 by now.
Yes Really!
I don’t have a problem in and of itself when folks call other folks to task on issues that effect the Black community. What I do have a problem with is when they use the press to express a differing or dissenting view. Have the decency to call a brother or a sister instead of airing it out in public, isn’t that the purview of Maury Povich and Jerry Springer?
True
Love You Tyler Perry….and Madea too!
I have to admit I inadvertently rolled my eyes when I first saw the previews of [yet another] Madea movie coming out. I still don’t see how intelligent people can actually like and look forward to that kind of low quality entertainment, but I conceded a while ago, if nothing else Perry has a true ability to tap into his audience. But this brings me to a larger point: Black folks HAVE to do better.
In every area of measure, they fall short on demanding respect. From politics to economics to entertainment, they continue to take the TRASH or CRUMBS thrown to them. They fail to realize they are NOT like other groups. Other groups have the luxury of maintaining the “I get mine, you get yours” mentaility, but uniquely, the plight of Black folks is collective; like it or not, what the neighbor does, DOES affect you. Unlike any other group, we are judged collectively. So what Tyler Perry does (and what Spike Lee does) is not just about him or his target audience, it is about the collective community. With that in mind, Black folks HAVE to be more cognizant of what they do ie “What will this project say to the world about my people?” Or in Perry’s case, “What will this movie say to the world about Black men?”
Just something to think about…
P.S. I do understand his frustration though with Spike Lee. It can’t be fun to be publicly insulted like that.
That’s a good point. But I question the sincerity of most Perry supporters – at least those here.
These are some of the same people that blast “black” movies they don’t like, hip-hop they don’t like and don’t forget BET (Awards, network etc) because they don’t like the portrayals even though they “keep black folk working.” They say so publicly and privately.
But again, Tyler should be immune because he (well she/Madea) makes us laugh.
I think the dude has gotten better with his work outside of the madea franchise which was a piss poor shitty shot representation for what theatre should be.
HoRRorble!
musbdherbs and t gen I agree. And to say that he is employing alot of people to me well look a drug dealer employs a lot of people also.I would like, many noted would prefer that Spike and Tyler speak to each other face to face or on phone,they know mutual people I’m sure.White people love to see us fighting in public .They love it more when we kill each other but I am off subject.
True nyla true.
Even Madea is a caricature of someone’s grandmother. My grandmother was nowhere that ridiculous. But to another race, they will make the connection with Madea and our grandmothers. Of course we know the diff, but everyone does not.
It kills me when intelligent people bring about an intelligent argument about stereotypes and the images TPerry presents, we are immediately LABELED as hater, jealous, or whatever word. Just like if you are against or don’t agree with a certain lifestyle you are phobic or you hate. That’s dumb.
Be honest, who is TP main audience. The hypocritical churches, who are against gays in their churches but support gays for entertainment. When you offend people, why do they talk about what they have first? Not what God has given them. What about salvation? Some people only want blessings to brag about, *Zech 8:21 what about the commandments? The tongue is wicked, and can not be tamed, lovers of themselves, God will catch you in your own craftiness. The devil is busy, taken away God’s word. The land is being destroyed, and we are building upon rubbish. The church is proud, worshipping satan. God gave them up, the gays. It’s all evil, and money ridden. The thief in the night will be here, to bring judgment against the churches and the world watch. 21 is the day, there are 24hrs in a day *Jude 21
I’d rather have my treasures stored up in heaven.
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Somebodys knocking on the door, somebodys ringing the bell. Do me a favor, open the door and so Tyler can just come “out”. His films are noting but 21st century minstrel shows. Spike is correct.
Tyler Perry hates criticism thats why he said he won’t release his films to movie critics before they are released to theaters. Face it, his movies are corny, stereotypical, black man hating, and similar in story from one to the next.
Tyler should’ve held his composure because all he has done is give Spike more reason to talk about his films and possibly make his material less popular. Both of them could do a better job if you ask me, but at least Spike has some really good big films under his belt that are diverse in subject matter and not the same shit every outing.
once again here we go fightin eatch other down..doing what the enemy want us 2.. spike do u ..tyler do u..theres enough of us to chose what 2 watch.. and what does it matter what movie theme…although im gladd tyler bit bak..but it really wasnt nessary..i mean spike who now..so stop and let us remember and look up to black power!
I love Spike’s movies, but I can only say that there are a few of TP’s movies that I like. In all fairness there is room for both.
…we don’t have to worry about anybody else trying to destroy us and take shots because we do it to ourselves.”
and that is the truth tp. starting right with you.
I know this post is going to buried in negative vote but outside of TP giving jobs to people of color, my beef is with the images on the screen. The shit is straight up bufoonery (although at times enjoyable) so much in fact you will never ever ever see yt people quote any of that shit from his movies to your face, cause it’s a minstrel show and we can only get famous for shuckin and jivin, in small doses it’s okay but Tyler has gone overboard with it and if there was a way where only we could see it then it would be a between you and me thing, but that’s not the case. The shit makes us look like a singin dancin ass joke. I like Spike Lee but he on the other hand is too damn serious and self absorbed, not like he is making any noise n fact that last time I seen him it was at a basketball game. So Spike step up and start making movies again! And TP tone the coonery down a bit and take a different direction for a while, you’re rich and affluent so cmon lets see some diversity.