Tyler Perry is working on a new movie and has enlisted a unique line-up of actors/actresses to star in it!

Eugene Levy, Romeo Miller and Denise Richards will all star alongside Perry in his latest film project, “Madea’s Witness Protection,” The Hollywood Reporter said earlier this week.

Perry be playing the infamous gun-toting, sassy-mouthed grandma Madea, while Eugene Levy will star in the movie as a wealthy man from Connecticut who is put in a witness protection program with his family after he gets caught in an embezzling scandal with his investment company.

Levy’s character, who is husband to Denise Richards’ character, is forced to move to Madea’s home in the South as a part of the witness protection program.

Romeo Miller will play a man who believes Levy is responsible for his church’s investment money being wiped out, and now wants to take the law into his own hands.

The cast of “Madea’s Witness Protection” also includes Doris Roberts, Devan Leos, Tom Arnold and Danielle Campbell, adding to the already interesting ensemble of actors/actresses.

Tyler Perry’s next movie “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” in which he stars as the lead character, is set for release on February 24th.

[THR]

Tyler Perry is on the receiving end of some heavy backlash for casting reality TV personality Kim Kardashian in his upcoming movie “The Marriage Counselor.”

Now the writer/producer/director has spoken out in defense of using the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star, who has also recently received some negative criticism of her own after she filed for divorce from her husband Kris Humphries after only 72 days of marriage.

In a blog post on his official website, Perry explains why he chose Kim Kardashian to play the role of a character named “Ava,” and he also gives a few details on the movie and other cast members, including Lance Gross, Brandy, Vanessa Williams, and others:

I think many of you know that this is a very difficult time of year for me, so what I try to do is make sure that I’m working during this time. All I wanted to do was shoot a great film and try to keep my mind off the holiday grief that I have been experiencing for the past two years. I could not have imagined I’d be getting all these emails about Kim Kardashian. I HAVE SEEN THEM!! YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD!! …LOL. Now, may I say something? Can a brother get a word in?….LOL. Y’all gave me a new movie title, Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman Cause You Hired Kim Kardashian, Don’t Make Me Take Off My Earrings and Boycott Yo A**.”…LOL. Some of my ladies are upset. Ok, all jokes aside, can I have my say? Will you at least hear me out?

I was in a Mexican restaurant and the cutest little old woman stopped me and said, “I want to talk to you about KAR-DAT- CHA-NEM.” I said, “Ma’am?” She said, “What is wrong with you putting her in the lead role of your movie?” By the time I explained to her that she was not in the lead role and why I thought she should be in “The Marriage Counselor”, she said, “Oh, I see your point and I can’t wait to see the movie.” So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to share with you what I said to her then maybe you’ll see why I wanted her in the film.

This movie is about a young lady named Judith (Jurnee Smolett), who grew up in the countryside of Virginia in a trailer park. She was raised in the church by her mother Sarah (Ella Joyce). Judith married her childhood sweetheart Brice (Lance Gross) and had the perfect life until she graduated college and went to work in the big city. After college, all she wanted to do was be a marriage counselor, but the only job she could find was working for a matchmaker named Janice (Vanessa Williams). Janice has several employees that work for her, including a woman named Ava (Kim Kardashian). Ava is constantly trying to influence Judith on everything from her shoes to her hair. Judith meets a man at work named Harley (Robbie Jones). Harley challenges everything in her life from her marriage to her husband to her faith. Meanwhile, Brice (Lance Gross), Judith’s husband works at a pharmacy owned by Mrs. Waco (Renee Taylor). Brice has just hired a coworker named Melinda (Brandy), who has some major demons that she is running from. In the end, the choices that both of these young women have made come crashing down on them and their lives will never be the same. I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t want to ruin it for you.

After I finished writing this movie, I sat back and re-read it. Half way through my read, the gravity of what I had written hit me. I knew that this message was not only for my age group, but for all audiences, especially the youth. ESPECIALLY THE YOUTH!! YOUNG FOLKS NEED TO SEE THIS!!! And not just the young people that follow me, but the young people that are following other young people, as well. I wanted a younger cast, that’s why I put Jurnee in the lead and invited Lance Gross, Robbie Jones and Brandy. About two months ago, long before I even heard about Kim’s marriage or divorce, I was trying to finish up the casting. I said to one of my producers, “who else is out there that young people are looking up to?” One of my producers showed me pictures that his daughter had taken of several hundred kids lined up around the corner to get into a Kardashian store. They wanted to meet Kim. I thought, what better person! She literally has millions of young people following her. I thought and still do think, that it would be very responsible of her to be a part of this film. To have the young people that look up to her, see her in a film that is about, what happens in life when you make the wrong choices. Whether you’re aware of it or not, to be honest with you I wasn’t, millions of young people adore her and are following her every move. If one of those young people see this film and find the strength to live a better life and not go through what these characters went through in this movie, then we have all done what I feel I’m being led to do here. I hope you understand. I really do!

And lastly, because I believe that my films speak from the inside out, why wouldn’t Kim Kardashian be invited into a film about Faith, Forgiveness and the healing power of God? What is wrong with that??

Now that Perry has given his word on the issue, what do you think about all of this?

Your thoughts???

Thanks to the millions and millions of dollars he’s made from his films, plays, TV shows, and of course Madea, Tyler Perry has landed at the very top of Forbes’ list of the highest paid men in Hollywood!

After raking in $130 million dollars over the past year (from May 2010 – May 2011), Perry now joins an elite club of Hollywood heavyweights, like Leonard DiCaprio, Elton John, Steven Spielberg, Tiger Woods, Simon Cowell and others, who make around $100 million or more annually.

Since 2009, Perry has helped bring successful films such as “Precious,” “For Colored Girls,” “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and “Why Did I Get Married, Too” just to name a few, to the big screen.

All of these movies have helped Tyler Perry surpass other industry professionals, including producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who follows Perry at #2 with $113 million, Steven Spielberg, with his $107 million at #3, and Elton John and Simon Cowell, rounding out the Top 5, with each having earned $100 million and $90 million, respectively.

Check out the full list of Hollywood’s highest paid men below:

1. Tyler Perry – $130 million
2. Jerry Bruckheimer – $113 million
3. Steven Spielberg – $107 million
4. Elton John – $100 million
5. Simon Cowell – $90 million

6. James Patterson – $84 million
7. Dr. Phil – $80 million
8. Leonardo DiCaprio – $77 million
9. Howard Stern – $76 million
10. Tiger Woods – $75 million

[Forbes]

Vanity Fair has just released its annual “Influential Business People” list and we have the scoop on who made the top spot.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took the #1 spot (for the second year in the row), while influential Pop diva Lady Gaga came in at #9. At age 27 and 25 respectively, both are two of the youngest entrepreneurs to make the list.

What some would say are Zuckerberg’s cyber nemeses, co-founders of Google Sergey Brin and Larry Page came in at the #2 spot and Amazon head-honcho Jeff Bezos grabbed the #3 spot, which was occupied by the aforementioned Google CEOs last year.

According to VanityFair.com, there are 14 billionaires on the list, including Zuckerberg, Brin, Page and Bezos, as well as Mark Pincus (Zynga), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn), Peter Thiel (Paypal) and more.

Also making the list was filmmaker Tyler Perry who came in at #44, music mogul Jay Z who came in at #21 and new “Two and a Half Men” front-man Ashton Kutcher who came in at #43. Justin Timberlake ended the list of 50 influential business people in the last spot.

Take a look at the list in full below:

1. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook
2. Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google
3. Jeff Bezos, Amazon
4. Tim Cook and Jonathan Ive, Apple
5. Jack Dorsey, Square, Twitter
6. Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz
7. Reed Hastings, Netflix
8. John Lasseter, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios
9. Lady Gaga, singer
10. Dan Doctoroff, Bloomberg L.P.

11. Dick Costolo, Twitter
12. Mark Pincus, Zynga
13. Jim Breyer, Accel Partners
14. Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Graham King, Movies
15. Michael Moritz, Sequoia Capital
16. J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter
17. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park
18. Reid Hoffman, Greylock Partners, LinkedIn
19. Herb Allen III, Allen & Co.
20. Judd Apatow, Apatow Productions

21. Jay-Z, Roc Nation
22. Todd Phillips, Green Hat Films
23. Yuri Milner, DST Global
24. J. J. Abrams, writer, director, producer
25. Robin Li, Baidu
26. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook
27. Andrew Mason, Groupon
28. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, television
29. Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson, Leverage
30. Angela Ahrendts and Christopher Bailey, Burberry

31. Elon Musk, Tesla Motors, Space X
32. Natalie Massenet, Net-a-Porter Group
33. Paul Graham, Y Combinator
34. Sean Parker, entrepreneur
35. Fred Wilson, Union Square Ventures, Flatiron Partners
36. Peter Thiel, Founders Fund, Clarium Capital Management
37. Peter Jackson, Wingnut Films
38. Ryan Kavanaugh, Relativity Media
39. Mike Allen, Politico
40. Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher, All Things D

41. John Hennessy, Stanford University
42. Jeremy Stoppelman, Yelp
43. Ashton Kutcher, actor, investor
44. Tyler Perry, director, producer, writer, actor
45. Dennis Crowley, Foursquare
46. Kevin Ryan, Gilt Groupe
47. Daniel Ek, Spotify
48. Henry Blodget, Business Insider
49. Mikael Hed, Niklas Hed, and Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio
50. Justin Timberlake, singer, actor

[Image: THR]

Looks like Tyler Perry is taking a leaf out of his BFF Oprah’s book and is launching his “own” TV network! (Haha, get it? OWN? Like Oprah!)

Our friends over at TheYBF.com are reporting:

Media mogul Tyler Perry has announced plans to partner with Lionsgate on a new cable network to be named Tyler TV … the deets are still being ironed out but the network’s initial launch will be powered by reruns of Tyler’s sitcoms and movies as well as third-party content with a Christianity-slant.

At press time, neither party have denied or confirmed if there is any truth in the story. But for Tyler’s sake, we hope it’s true! This is pretty BIG.

Tyler Perry has a special lady in his life.

In a brand new interview with Ebony magazine for their upcoming August 2011 issue, the filmmaker opened up about his new romance.

“She’s really, really special. It’s the longest relationship I’ve been in,” he says in his cover story.

Surprisingly … back in December, Perry thought he had a child on the way. Now he says it would be sad to come this far and not have any.

“This isn’t the reason to have children, but it would be really sad to work this hard to build something and not be able to pass it on to my junior, to my sons, to my daughters. Back in December, when we thought we were having a kid,” he revealed. “I got a little overwhelmed. Now, I got overwhelmed when I first got a dog because I knew I was responsible for this living creature. So think how I reacted to the thought of having a child.”

Tyler also spoke on Spike Lee and how he’s done with all the beef.

“I’m going to be more respectful of him and his family,” he told Ebony. “I believe Spike can do what he does and I can do what I do.… There’s room for more than one of us in every industry and the moment we embrace that as a society, we can get past all this stuff.”

Glad to hear that all is well with Mr. Perry!

No one says “goodbye” like Oprah!

A bunch of the media mogul’s most famous friends, including Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys and many more packed into the United Center in Chicago for “Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular,” a star-studded send-off for the legendary talk show host.

Beyonce kicked off the festivities with a performance of her new single “Run the World (Girls),” which was followed by a poem recital from Maya Angelou (accompanied by Alicia Keys on the piano), a performance from music legend Aretha Franklin, an appearance from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, a performance from Usher and more. The event also featured appearances form many other celebrities, including Tyler Perry, Tom Hanks, Maria Shriver (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s estranged wife), Simon Cowell, Patti Labelle, Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes and tons more.

“Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular” will air on television today (May 23) and tomorrow (May 24).

Check out tons of pics, as well as video footage of Beyonce’s performance, below:

First it was the Boondocks, then Spike Lee …. and now “South Park” has made fun of Madea creator Tyler Perry. The show also touched on Osama Bin Laden’s death and more.

For those who missed it, check out last night’s episode below:

Tyler Perry is back in business with TBS.

The multi-millionaire Hollywood mogul just signed his latest deal with the Turner-owned network for “For Better or Worse,” a dramedy series based on his “Why Did I Get Married?” film franchise.

Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith (of the hit film franchise) are set to reprise their roles as television anchor Marcus and salon owner Angela.

Like Perry’s past projects with TBS, “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns,” the new series will initially roll out with 10 episodes. If the show reaches a certain ratings threshold during its initial run, the network will order 90 more.

“Tyler Perry’s series have been tremendously successful for TBS, helping establish the network as a prime destination for African-American viewers,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. “Given such a remarkable track record, we’re excited for the opportunity to expand our relationship with Tyler Perry and Debmar-Mercury with the new series For Better or Worse.”

The series will be syndicated by Debmar Mercury, and is set to begin production this summer, just as Perry wraps production on Payne after a staggering 222 episodes.

“Even though it will be sad to say goodbye to House of Payne, I’m really looking forward to exploring new territory with For Better or Worse,” said Perry. “Working on House of Payne taught me a lot about what it takes to make a successful television series and I’m looking forward to applying that experience to For Better or Worse.”

Congrats Tyler!

The bluebirds of smash hit film ‘Rio’ continued to take the box office by storm this holiday weekend by maintaining their #1 position, which forced Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ to take the #2 spot. For its 2 week reign, ‘Rio’ has earned a whopping $81.2 million.

‘Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ the 3rd film from Perry’s Madea franchise released in the Easter period since 2008, also raked in $25.7 million on its debut weekend, which is pretty good. But not good enough to beat the birds!

Earlier this week, Hollywood mega mogul Tyler Perry stopped by “Lopez Tonight” to promote his new movie “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

Check out what he had to say below:

Can we all just get along? At a recent Beverly Hills press conference promoting his latest movie, “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” Tyler Perry went a little Madea when the matter of Spike Lee came up.

“I’m so sick of hearing about damn Spike Lee,” Perry said during the press conference, according to Box Office Magazine. “Spike can go straight to hell! You can print that. I am sick of him talking about me.”

Perry’s remarks were referencing Lee’s constant criticism of Perry’s work. “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!” Perry continued

“I’ve never seen Jewish people attack Seinfeld and say, ‘This is a stereotype,’ he said. “I’ve never seen Italian people attack The Sopranos, I’ve never seen Jewish people complaining about Mrs. Doubtfire or Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie.”

Perry also mentioned other black artists who have faced similar critiques. “Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois went through the exact same thing,” he said.

Whoosh! Spike done got Tyler all kinds of mad!

Woosah Perry…wooosah.

The 2nd Annual Steve Harvey Foundation Gala took place on Monday night (Apr 4) at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. The comedian, on behalf his foundation, honored Tyler Perry, Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Rock and others at the annual charity event.

Some of the stars who attended the ceremony were Russell Simmons and his niece Angela Simmons, music exec. Antonio “LA Reid,” Denzel Washington’s wife Pauletta, Gayle King, actor Boris Kodjoe and more. The event, hosted by Steve Harvey and Sherri Shepherd (from “The View”), ended up raising $600,000 for the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men.

Check out the pics below:

Widely known for his role as Stringer Bell on HBO’s “The Wire,” British actor Idris Elba says that he isn’t a fan of “buffoonish characters like Madea of Big Momma.”

The “Daddy’s Little Girls” actor was recently invited to speak at Rutgers University, and when asked on his opinion on the Spike Lee vs. Tyler Perry debate, Idris said:

“Can I be candid?” he asks before turning to face the audience directly. “I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”

Idris also offered his candid thoughts on the lack of diversity amongst Golden Globe and Oscar nominees.

“Halle Berry and I were the only two black actors nominated for this year’s Golden Globes (Idris for Luther and Halle for Frankie & Alice). The Oscars aren’t designed for us…let’s focus on making more films.” (Source)

Idris Elba sounds like a pretty intelligent guy! Though it’s safe to say that we don’t think Mr. Elba will be working with Mr. Perry (or Mr. Lawrence) anytime soon…

Thoughts?

Take a look at the official teaser trailer of Tyler Perry‘s latest film “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” Madea’s family is coming to a big screen near you on April 22nd.

Take a look at the trailer below!

Your thoughts?

She’s baaaaaaaaaaack!

Tyler Perry has turned another one of his hit stage-plays into a full-length movie, and here is the official poster (released just moments ago) for Perry’s latest film “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” The movie stars Tyler Perry (as Madea), Bow Wow, Loretta Devine, Lauren London, Teyana Taylor and others.

And for all you “Madea” fans out there, Brown and Cora (played by David and Tamela Mann) will also be in the movie, along with Cassandra Davis (from “House of Payne”) who will play Aunt Bam (just like in the stage-play). “Madea’s Big Happy Family” hits theaters April 22nd.

Check out a short synopsis of the film below:

Madea (Tyler Perry) jumps into action when her niece, Shirley (Loretta Devine), receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy (Natalie Desselle-Reid), Kimberly (Shannon Kane) and Byron (Bow Wow) are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It’s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis), to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter…and the revelation of a long-buried family secret. (Via: Wiki)

Stay tuned for the official trailer, which should be dropping ANY day now!

Thoughts?

Black Hollywood gathered together over the weekend (Sat. Jan 15) in Washington, D.C. for the 4th Annual BET Honors. Stars like Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Boris Kodjoe and wife Nicole Ari Parker, and more, walked the red carpet before making their way into the Warner Theater for the ceremony.

The pre-recorded show, hosted by Gabrielle Union, also featured performances by Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and Tank, as well as appearances by supermodel Iman, writer/director Tyler Perry and others. The 2011 BET Honors air on TV next month (Mon. Feb 21) at 9pm.

Check out 20+ pics from the 4th Annual BET Honors below!!

Your thoughts on the pics?

Funnymen Wayne Brady and Affion Crockett have teamed up to bring you “For (Stuffed) Colored Girls”.

Peep the hilarious spoof to Tyler Perry‘s new blockbuster “For Colored Girls” below:

Tyler Perry‘s newest film “For Colored Girls” premiered this week in New York City. And stars from the movie, including Janet Jackson, Kerry Washington, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise and others, walked the red carpet and posed for pics outside before making their way into the Ziegfeld Theater to catch the premiere.

Other celebs spotted on the red carpet of the “For Colored Girls” premiere event Monday night (Oct 25) were Fabolous, Estelle, Ciara, Lance Gross and more. Check out 15+ pics below (and when you continue reading)!!

Filmmaker Tyler Perry opened up about his painful childhood on an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that aired yesterday afternoon (Wed. Oct 20). Perry spoke on everything from being molested by four different adults at a young age to being abused by his father and wanting to commit suicide.

Check out a few excerpts from the interview (along with a clip) below…

Being molested by four adults

Tyler told Oprah that he was molested by four different adults. The first was when he was 5 or 6 years old….and occurred while he and an adult male neighbor were building a birdhouse together.

“I was about five or six. With his hand in my pants, I thought, ‘What is this?’ And I felt my body betraying me, because I felt an erection at that age.”

His next two encounters involved a male nurse and a man he knew from church.

“A male nurse at the hospital. And he was doing the same thing. … Then there was the man in the church who used God and the bible to justify a lot of the things that were going on. That was my first sexual experience – this man performing oral sex on me as a boy.”

Perry’s last encounter occurred when he was 10 years old and involved his friend’s mother.

“I hear arguing from the living room, she comes in… We were in the bedroom. She throws him in the bathroom and says, ‘You need to take a bath and go to bed,’ and she tells me to go home, and I go to the door to try and unlock the door… and I couldn’t unlock it. She lays on the sofa and spreads her legs – I didn’t know she was wearing lingerie at the time – and I said, ‘I have to go home…’ And she lights a cigarette and she takes the key… and I come over to get it and she puts it inside of herself (vagina) and she tells me to get it, so I get the key but I feel my body betraying me… because I felt an erection. She pulled me on top of her and I was inside of her, so my first sexual experience with a woman… that was it.”

Being abused by his father

Perry reflected on being physically abused by his father on a regular day basis and eventually having to run to his aunt for help.

“To this day, I don’t know why he did it. But I remember him cornering me in a room and hitting me with this vacuum cleaner cord. He would just not stop. There are all these welts on [me], the flesh that’s coming from my bone, and I had to wait for him to go to sleep. When he fell asleep, I ran to my aunt’s house, and she was mortified when she saw it.”

Wanting to Commit Suicide

Tyler also revealed during the interview that after so many beatings by his father…..he begin cutting his wrist and tried to commit suicide.

“I thought, ‘What is the point of living? My mother was truly my saving grace, because she would take me to church with her. I would see my mother smiling in the choir, and I wanted to know this God that made her so happy. If I had not had that faith in my life, I don’t know where I would be right now.”

Your thoughts?

Fresh off his role in the new movie “The Lottery Ticket,” (in theaters August 20th) rapper/actor Bow Wow has announced that he will star alongside renown actress Loretta Devine once again. This time, for a Tyler Perry film!

Continue reading for the details…

Tyler Perry is currently touring the country with his “Madea’s Big Happy Family” stage play, but according to sources (including Bow Wow himself via Twitter) Perry is due to turn his stage play into a full feature film, and Bow Wow, Loretta Devine and Old Spice spokesman Isaiah Mustafa are set to appear in the movie, which is due to begin filming later this year. Devine and Bow Wow will play mother and son while Mustafa will play the brother-in-law.

The movie focuses a single mother named Miss Shirley (Loretta Devine) who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and with the help of Madea, Ms. Shirley gets her grown children (Bow Wow is one of them) to help organize one final, big, happy, family reunion.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” will be TP’s 11th movie and is scheduled for release via Lionsgate in April 2011.

Congrats Bow Wow! He’s always said he wanted to be the next Will Smith and judging by the looks of it, he may very well be on his way! How many artists these days get the opportunity to star in two pretty well-known movies within the same year?

Our friends over at Straight from the A ran into Tyler Perry over the weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Essence Music Festival and talked with the writer/director briefly about what’s really going on with the whole Boondocks situation. And while he chose to speak off the record, Perry did note that the racy Boondocks episode that portrayed him in a negative light didn’t faze him one bit! He also personally cleared up allegations that he’s suing the show’s creator and fired staff members over the episode.

Continue reading to see what TP had to say about all of this…

“Just like the Spike Lee situation, I feel that ‘no response’ is the best response. I’m just gonna leave it at that…

But I will tell you this… there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that I’m suing The Boondocks. Those are all lies. I’m not suing anybody over that. And I haven’t fired anyone because of that show either. I don’t know where all that came from.”

Source: Straight from the A

Well, we guess that clears everything up somewhat! Though it’s good to know that Tyler has a great sense of humor and didn’t let this get to him at all.

We’re still waiting on Tyler Perry to personally respond to all of the drama surrounding a Boondocks episode that aired a couple of weeks ago depicting the writer/director as a male obsessed, cross-dressing control freak slash diva. But in the meantime, the folks over at RollingOut.com say that Tyler didn’t fire his entire staff as we previously reported over the weekend nor is he suing Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder. But he does feel a bit betrayed by Turner Network who ironically is behind both the Boondocks AND Tyler Perry’s sitcoms (SMH…)

In addition, Tyler also knows the identity of the person who helped McGruder develop the script for the “Pause” episode. And though the person’s identity is unknown, we do know that they’re a former staff member at Tyler Perry Studios who was fired a while back and is now working with McGruder’s show.

Continue reading for all the latest details in this Tyler Perry vs. Boondocks saga…

Contrary to erroneous reports on some popular blog sites and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tyler Perry is not suing Aaron McGruder over the highly publicized “Boondocks” episode that lampooned Perry’s famous Madea character, blasted Perry’s leadership style and seriously questioned his sexuality. But Perry, whose popular pistol-packing, profane Madea character has helped rake in tens of millions at the box office over the past decade, is definitely ablaze with anger for the derisive and embarrassing depictions of him on the popular cartoon series.

Perry, according to this writer’s inside source, knows the identity of the person who crafted the script that McGruder aired last Sunday titled, “Pause.” The person, whose name was not available at press time, is a former staff member at Tyler Perry Studios who was fired some time ago and re-emerged on the other side of Turner, working with McGruder. Whether this episode was a vindictive, vengeful act for being terminated by Perry is not yet known. Remember, though: part of “Boondocks” appeal is the fact that McGruder routinely charbroils popular personalities for one reason or another.

Furthermore, Perry feels betrayed by Turner Network. Both Perry’s and McGruders’s shows are on the same network, yet Turner failed to alert Perry that the controversial “Boondock” episode was going to air until the day of.

The “Boondock” episode depicted Perry in very unsavory, unflattering terms. McGruder painted Perry as a ruthless control freak and diva who isolates cast members from their families. He also made blatant referrals to Perry’s sexuality, suggesting through the Winston Jerome character that Perry has an affinity for sculpted young men who walk around bare-chested and bathe their upper torsos with liberal doses of lotion.

Despite his anger and ruffled feelings, Perry didn’t snap and channel his inner Madea by firing his entire staff.

Source: RollingOut.com

You think Tyler should respond to this or should he just remain quiet?

This is a hot mess!

Rumor has it that filmmaker/playwright Tyler Perry may have fired his entire staff over a recent episode of Aaron McGruder‘s wildly popular cartoon series “The Boondocks”. In an episode that aired Sunday night (Jun 20), Perry is depicted as being homosexual and using his staff and other actors to engage in sexual activities, among other things. And though it may have given us and everyone who watched it more than a few chuckles, we hear that Mr. TP himself wasn’t too pleased and he believes that someone exposed some of his “inside secrets” to McGruder and his writers.

Word on the streets is the recent ’Boondocks’ episode, that mocked everything TP hit a deep nerve with the mogul. Our source claims he’s paranoid and believes it was an inside job – based on the show’s accuracy!!! Our source also says that Madea is giving pink slips to his entire staff [not the shirtless boy wonders of course] starting Friday – – he wants to control any leaks of information about ”the compound!!”

Source: Carlton Jordan

We don’t know how true any of the stuff that aired on the episode is… but they sure did a good job with the Madea imitation! (LOL). And just in case you missed it (or if you wanna take a look again), check out last Sunday night’s episode below:

Actress/singer Janet Jackson was spotted Thursday (Jun 3) in Harlem, New York City as she filmed scenes for Tyler Perry‘s latest movie project, the film adaptation of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” Also spotted in Harlem on the set of the new movie were Whoopi Goldberg and director Tyler Perry.

The movie will be written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry and features a cast that includes Loretta Divine, Kimberly Elise, Jill Scott, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose and more. Mariah Carey had also been cast but pulled out at the last minute for “medical reasons.” Mr. Perry said actress Thandie Newton will replace her in the film, scheduled to be release sometime in 2011.

Check out 10+ pics of Janet, Tyler and Whoopi on the set of “For Colored Girls…” in New York below:

The singer/actress was to play a role in Perry’s remake of Ntozake Shange‘s 1975 play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf”. However, now it’s being said that she has pulled out of the project. Neither Carey nor her publicist Cindy Berger were able to give much insight as to why she made the sudden move, but we’re pretty sure it has something to do with a baby! When asked for comment, Cindy simpley said:

“I’m not at liberty to discuss her personal life at this time.”

And we all know what that popular phrase means…

Earlier this month, Carey was spotted at a L.A. fertility clinic and appears to have gained a significant amount of weight over the last few weeks. Sorry sweetheart, you don’t have us fooled! Guess we might be seeing a Nick Jr. soon after-all.

Actress/singer Janet Jackson looked stunning as she showed off her new short haircut Friday night (May 21) at a preview screening for her new movie “Why Did I Get Married Too?” over the pond in London, England.

The now 44-year-old entertainer (she celebrated her birthday a week ago today) was later joined by actor/director Tyler Perry at the UK screening of their new film, held at London’s Ritzy Cinema.

Check out a few pics of Janet (and her new look) and Tyler Perry below…

“Some idiot stole my credit card number. Can you believe that? Take a look at all the stuff they charged. If you know any of these people, call the police.”

According to Mr. Perry, his card was charged over $28,000 in airplane tickets and a host of other goods from stores like Lowes and Toys R Us.

But the big question we’re asking is where on earth was Madea? She would have put a cap in somebody’s a$$ if they even THOUGHT about stealing her credit card! (LOL)

To check out a list of all the items purchased on TP’s stolen card continue reading below:

TOTAL: $28,492.22:
4/25/10 – Southwest Airlines – M. Woods (Burbank-Las Vegas) – $3.00
4/25/10 – Southwest Airlines – M. Woods (Burbank-Las Vegas) – $158.70
4/28/10 – Best Buy – $734.00
4/29/10 – Lowe’s (Greenville) – $6761.95
4/30/10 – Delta Airlines – S. Archer (NY/JFK-Las Vegas) – $1022.70
4/30/10 – Delta Airlines – Q. Hinton (NY/JFK-Las Vegas) – $1022.70
4/30/10 – Lowe’s (Greenville) – $7278.70
5/1/10 – Southwest Airlines – Andre B. (Burbank-Las Vegas) – $158.70
5/1/10 – Southwest Airlines – Justin S. (Burbank-Las Vegas) – $158.70
5/1/10 – Delta Airlines Andre B. (Las Vegas-Los Angeles) – $573.70
5/1/10 – Delta Airlines Justin S. (Las Vegas-Los Angeles) – $573.70
5/1/10 – Fandango.com (movie tickets) – $120.00
5/1/10 – AMC Theatre (North Decatur) – $105.00
5/1/10 – Lowe’s (Greenville) – $7000.00
5/1/10 – Abercrombie.com (clothing) – $500.00
5/2/10 – SVM Prepaid Card (retail) – $317.45
5/3/10 – Spirit Airlines – Q. Hinton (Ft. Lauderdale-NY/LGA) – $660.42
5/3/10 – Spirit Airlines – Q. Hinton (Ft. Lauderdale-NY/LGA) – $250.00
5/3/10 – Toys R Us (King of Prussia) – $505.00
5/3/10 – Amex Gift Card – $192.80
5/3/10 – Fandango.com (movie tickets) – $195.00
5/4/10 – Delta Airlines – P. Smith (Chicago-Atlanta) – $312.70 – REFUNDED BY DELTA (caught before use)
5/4/10 – Delta Airlines – P. Smith (Chicago-Atlanta) – $312.70 – REFUNDED BY DELTA (caught before use)
5/4/10 – Delta Airlines – Jason S. (Chicago-Atlanta) – $312.70 – REFUNDED BY DELTA (caught before use)
5/4/10 – Delta Airlines – John H. (Chicago-Atlanta) – $312.70 – REFUNDED BY DELTA (caught before use)
5/4/10 – Express.com (clothing) – $200.00

Tyler Perry is finally coming clean (somewhat) about his love life and admitted that he isn’t quite sure about having a woman all laying up under him 24/7:

Movie mogul Tyler Perry is doubtful he’ll ever leave behind his bachelor life and settle down with one woman, because he’s “not sure” he wants to be faithful.

The Madea Goes to Jail filmmaker has managed to juggle a handful of serious relationships with his busy career but Tyler admits he’s afraid of commitment and is enjoying living on his own.

He tells the New York Post, “I now have homes all over. L.A., Atlanta where I grew up, New York. But I live alone. In all my adult life I’ve had five serious relationships with women. And I’m not sure monogamy is for me.”

Uhh… we’re not gonna say anything. We’re just gonna whistle and keep it moving…

Tyler Perry‘s latest movie “Why Did I Get Married Too?” brought in an impressive $30.1 million in its opening weekend, beating out its predecessor “Why Did I Get Married?” which was relased back in 2007 and only made $10 million its first weekend. This is Perry’s biggest opening for a movie that didn’t feature the famously hilarious grandma everybody loves… Madea.

TP’s next movie “For Colored Girls” will be released to theaters in January 2011. The film, a version of the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” will deal with some pretty serious topics including rape and abortion. The cast, so far, includes Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Macy Gray. Click here more info on that film and be sure to catch “Why Did I Get Married Too?” in theaters now!

Singer/actress Janet Jackson opened up to Oprah Friday (Apr 2) about a lot of things, including losing her brother Michael Jackson, where she was when he passed away and how her family tried to (unsuccessfully) help him with his addiction issues. She says “We knew that he had a problem. We had tried interventions several times…” She also spoke on whether or not she blames Dr. Conrad Murray for MJ’s sudden death.

Later in the interview, writer/director/actor Tyler Perry came out and joined Janet to discuss their new movie “Why Did I Get Married Too?” which was released to theaters this weekend. Continue reading to check out the entire interview…

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

The great playwright and director himself Tyler Perry has reportedly rounded up the likes of Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey for a new film he’s working on, entitled “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf.”

The Madea Goes to Jail filmmaker took on the challenge of adapting Ntozake Shange‘s controversial 1975 play for the big screen last September (09) after Whoopi Goldberg’s planned Broadway revival fell victim to a lack of investors.  But Perry is forging ahead with the movie version of the play and will reunite with Jackson, who stars in his “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and Carey, who won critical acclaim for her role in “Precious.” He has also landed Goldberg for his project, in addition to The Last King of Scotland star Kerry Washington and singer Macy Gray.

CONTACT MUSIC

Tyler himself also revealed that actresses Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington and Loretta Divine will also appear in the film, which appears to be star-studded so far, just as the rest of TP’s movies have been.

Lots of celebrities, including actress/singer Janet Jackson, pictured above with her sister Rebbie Jackson, attended the special screening for Tyler Perry’s latest film, “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” at the School of Visual Arts Theater last night (Mon. Mar 22) in New York City. The movie opens to theaters next weekend (Fri. Apr 2).

Other celebrities at the screening were Jackson’s co-stars Malik Yoba, director Tyler Perry, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, Michael Jai White, Lamman Rucker and more. Check out all of the pics below and when you continue reading…

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards, also known simply as “The Oscars,” was held Sunday night (Mar 7) in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theater. Some of the celebrities who walked the red carpet were Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon, Mo’Nique, Gabby Sidibe, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Patton and her husband Robin Thicke, and more.

Check out 20+ pictures of celebs walking the red carpet at the 2010 Oscars, the biggest night in Hollywood, below and when you continue reading…

Check out this last batch of photos from last night’s NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, CA. We have flicks of Keri Hilson, Eva Marcille, Mo’Nique, Gabby Sidibe, Paula Patton, Lee Daniels, Morgan Freeman, Nick Cannon and more posing backstage, in the audience and/or in the press room of the 41st annual event.

20+ pictures below and after the cut…

The hit movie “Precious” (nominated for an Oscar) took home a total of 6 awards Friday night (Feb 26) at the 41st Annual NAACP Image Awards, which aired live on FOX from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe was awarded with “Outstanding Actress,” while Mo’Nique picked up the “Outstanding Supporting Actress” award, Lee Daniels won the “Outstanding Director” award and Geoffrey Fletcher was named “Outstanding Writer.” And the film as a collective won “Outstanding Motion Picture of the Year” and “Best Independent Film.”

Other award winners last night were Tyler Perry, Keke Palmer, Wyclef Jean, Maxwell and more, while the show, hosted by Hill Harper and Anika Noni Rose, featured performances from Keri Hilson, Mary Mary, Jill Scott and others. 15+ pictures of various celebrities accepting/presenting awards and performing at the 2010 NAACP Image Awards can be found below and when you continue reading…

Black star power was in full effect as celebrities like Keri Hilson, Gabrielle Union, Jill Scott, Tyler Perry, Maxwell, Keke Palmer, Tyrese, John Legend, Gabby Sidibe and tons more walked the red carpet of the 41st Annual NAACP Image Awards, held last night (Fri. Feb 26) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Check out 40+ pictures of everyone arriving at the NAACP Image Awards below and when you continue reading…

The official movie poster for Tyler Perry‘s latest effort “Why Did I Get Married Too?” has just hit the Internet!

The film, starring original cast Jill Scott, Janet Jackson, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Malik Yoba, and Michael Jai White, will be in theaters April 2nd so mark your calendars!

Continue reading to peep the movie’s latest trailer…

Perry said he based his most popular — and notorious — character, Madea, partially on his mom. “My mother is the wisdom of Madea,” Perry said in a 2006 AJC interview. Late Tuesday morning, he sent out posts on his FaceBook and Twitter pages directing fans and followers to his Web site saying, “I just sent out an email that I’d like to share with you. Please check it out.”

According to the FaceBook page “Please Pray for Mother Maxine Perry — Tyler’s Mom,” she has been sick since late August, although no details about an ailment werementioned. Maxine Perry was a pre-school teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center most of her life. Perry said he and his siblings endured the abuse of their father Emmett R. Perry Sr., for whom Tyler was named before changing his name. But he said his mother bore the brunt of the abuse when he was younger.

Peary was reportedly planning to go on the road for another tour of live “Madea” shows, according to StraightFromTheA.com, but it is unclear how his mother’s death will impact his schedule.

SOURCE

Madea hasn’t gone on the road in nearly 5 years but according to the pistol toting grandma’s creator Tyler Perry himself, all of that is going to change! The 40-year-old filmmaker announced via his official website that Madea’s role will be reprised in a new stage play called “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and the first show kicks off on January 5th 2010 and lasts all the way up until May (though more dates will probably be added later)!

Big Announcement!

I wanted to tell you this before the tickets went on sale in most places….Madea is officially going on tour! That’s right, a Madea play, live on tour! I have managed to carve out about a year to go on the road and see you all again. I gotta tell you, I have missed you. There is nothing like a live performance and if you’ve never seen a Madea play, then you haven’t seen Madea at all. It is an experience, just ask someone who’s seen it…..SMILE

It’s been 5 years since I’ve been on the road and the timing just happened to fall right into place. I needed to get away from Hollywood for a second…clear my head. There is no better way to do that than to come out and see your faces and be reminded of where this all started. The show is called MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY. I’m going to come through as many cities as I can. I know I can’t get to all of them but I’ll try and get as close as I can. Get your tickets early! I want you to have the opportunity to get good seats first before the rest of the country hears about the advertising, ok?

I can’t wait to see you! This play is going to be amazing!

I’ll see you soon.
Tyler Perry

The last play that featured Madea in a leading role was “Madea Goes to Jail,” which toured the country back in 2005. The play was later turned into a film and released to theaters in February 2009.

Continue reading for the current tour dates to see if Madea and her big happy family will be coming to your city! We love Madea and we absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see this!!!

Jan 4th, 2010
El Paso, TX
Don Haskins Center

Jan 5th, 2010
Phoenix, AZ
Dodge Theatre

Jan 6th, 2010
San Diego, CA
San Diego Sports Arena

Jan 9th, 2010
Seattle, WA
Key Arena

Jan 10th, 2010
Portland, OR
Memorial Coliseum

Jan 12th, 2010
Fresno, CA
Selland Arena

Jan 13th, 2010
Sacramento, CA
Arco Arena

Jan 14th – 16th, 2010
Oakland, CA
Paramount Theatre

Jan 19th – 24th, 2010
Los Angeles, CA
Kodak Theatre

Jan 27th – 31st, 2010
New York, NY
WaMu at Madison Square Garden

Feb 2nd, 2010
Florence, SC
Civic Center

Feb 3rd – 5th, 2010
Raleigh, NC
RBC Center

Feb 6th, 2010
Fayetteville, NC
Crown Center Coliseum

Feb 7th, 2010
Charlotte, NC
Cricket Arena

Feb 9th, 2010
Macon, GA
Macon Centreplex

Feb 10th – 11th, 2010
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum

Feb 12th – 13th, 2010
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena

Feb 14th, 2010
Columbus, GA
Columbus Civic Center

Feb 16th – 17th, 2010
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial Arena

Feb 18th, 2010
Chattanooga, TN
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium

Feb 19th – 20th, 2010
Winston Salem, NC
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Feb 21st, 2010
Richmond, VA
Richmond Coliseum

Feb 24th – 25th, 2010
Nashville, TN
Municipal Auditorium

Feb 27th – 28th, 2010
Memphis, TN
Orpheum Theatre

Mar 2nd – 6th, 2010
Chicago, IL
Arie Crown Theatre

Mar 9th, 2010
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center

Mar 10th, 2010
Omaha, NE
Qwest Center

Mar 11th, 2010
Wichita, KS
Wichita Convention Hall

Mar 12th – 14th, 2010
Dallas, TX
Nokia Theatre

Mar 16th, 2010
Milwaukee, WI
US Cellular Arena

Mar 19th – 21st, 2010
Hartford, CT
The Bushnell Theatre

Mar 24th, 2010
Augusta, GA
James Brown Arena

Mar 25th – 26th, 2010
Greenville, SC
Bi-Lo Center

Mar 27th, 2010
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Civic Center

Mar 28th, 2010
Mobile, AL
Mobile Civic Ctr Arena

Apr 6th, 2010
Dayton, OH
Nutter Center

Apr 7th, 2010
Cincinnati, OH
Cintas Center

Apr 8th, 2010
Louisville, KY
Freedom Hall

Apr 9th – 11th, 2010
Chicago, IL
Arie Crown Theatre

Apr 13th – 14th, 2010
Savannah, GA
Savannah Civic Center

Apr 15th – 18th, 2010
Atlanta, GA
Fox Theatre

Apr 20th – 21st, 2010
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Constant Center

Apr 22nd – 25th, 2010
Baltimore, MD
Lyric Theatre

Apr 25th, 2010
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center

Apr 27th – May 2nd, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Liacouras Center

Apr 27th, 2010
Buffalo, NY
HSBC Arena

May 4th, 2010
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena

May 5th, 2010
Toledo, OH
Lucas County Arena

May 6th – 9th, 2010
Detroit, Michigan
Fox Theatre Detroit

Tyler Perry‘s “Madea Goes to Jail” movie contained lyrics from an entire verse from a song called “When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus” (written nearly 60 years ago!) and now the actor/writer/director is being sued for it!

The suit, filed by the personal representative of deceased gospel singer/songwriter Bertha James, claims Perry lifted an entire verse from a song James wrote in 1950 — “When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus.”

The suit claims Perry pilfered the verse and used it in “Madea” — specifically, “incorporating the entire Chorus in a monologue delivered by the main character in ‘Madea” referencing her deliverance from a jail sentence and leniency for repetitive criminal conduct, in a staged court proceeding presided over by ‘Judge Mabeline.’”

Bertha’s estate, which is also suing Lionsgate Entertainment, wants unspecified damages for copyright infringement.

SOURCE

Umm… are they serious???

Entertainment Tonight had an exclusive look at the new trailer for the sequel of Tyler Perry‘s “Why Did I Get Married?”. The same returning cast, Janet Jackson, Idris Elba, Tasha Smith, Malik Yoba, Sharon Leal, and Michael Jai White, are all back on another couple’s retreat and more secrets are ready to be revealed in “Why Did I Get Married Too?”. Look for this film to hit theaters in April 2010.

Black Hollywood came out in droves Sunday night (Nov 1) to support the AFI Fest 2009 Screening of the new movie “Precious,” which stars newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and actress/comedienne turned late night talk show host Mo’Nique.

Some of the big names who walked down the red carpet of the big Hollywood event, held at were Oprah, Tyler Perry, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Mary J. Blige, Will Smith and much much more.

Check out a ton of pics from the “Precious” screening after the break! And be on the look-out for the movie when it releases to theaters nationwide this Friday (Nov. 6).

Actor/writer/director Tyler Perry spoke out on fellow director Spike Lee‘s comments about his projects, including his Madea films and his television shows “Meet the Browns” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.” And Perry didn’t hold back one bit.

Tyler Perry is one of the good guys of the entertainment business and let Lee have it. ”I would love to read that to my fan base,” Perry said. “Let me tell you what Madea, Brown and all of these characters are bait. Disarming, charming make you laugh bait so that I can slap Madea in something and talk about God, love, faith, forgiveness, family any of those things you know.”

He added that he is that he’s “insulted” and “pissed off” by comments Lee made about his work last May.

SOURCE

Continue reading for the video!

Actor/singer Tyrese hosted the 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon Saturday (Oct 17) at Grant Park in Chicago. Singer Aubrey O’Day was on hand at the Grand Opening of the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas strip in Nevada Thursday (Oct 15). And actress Terri J. Vaughn (pictured with her husband Karon Riley) celebrated her 40th birthday with a soiree at Rare in Atlanta, GA Friday night (Oct 16).

We also have new photos of Ray J, LaToya Jackson, Vivica A. Fox, Tyler Perry and more! Continue reading to check all of the pictures out and be sure to click each thumbnail for more info.

R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys played host to her sixth annual Black Ball to benefit the “Keep A Child Alive” AIDS organization Thursday night (Oct 15) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The huge celebrity guest list at the event included Halle Berry, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Cannon, Tyler Perry, Robin Thicke, Mary J. Blige and more. Alicia performed with John Mayer at the event, and also premiered her new song “Sleeping with a Broken Heart.”

You can check out a lot more pictures from the red carpet and inside the Ball when you continue reading!

Tyler Perry is reportedly sending 65 Pennsylvania children from a largely minority day care center to an all-expense paid trip to Disney World! The kids were recently denied entry to a swimming pool at a predominately white swim club, known as the exclusive “Valley Swim Club,” located in a suburban area in Philadelphia.

“He wanted to do something nice for them and let them know that for every negative experience, there are people out there who want them to succeed regardless of the color of their skin,” said Keleigh Thomas, Perry’s publicist. She added the entertainer would be footing the bill for all transportation, hotel, admissions and food costs at the Florida theme park.

When Perry heard about the situation with the children in the highly publicized aftermath of the pool cancellation, he immediately wanted to help them, Thomas told CNN, adding that a trip to Disney World is definitely “better than the pool.”

“I am ecstatic for the children,” Alethea Wright, director of the Creative Steps day-care center, told CNN. Perry’s team extended the offer to her on Friday, she said. The Disney World stay will be from August 1 to 3, according to Perry’s Web site.

The pool controversy started after the Valley Swim Club in suburban Philadelphia revoked the swimming privileges for children from the Creative Steps center after one visit on June 29. Some black and Hispanic children said white club members made racist comments to them during that visit, asking why “black children were there” and raising concerns that “they might steal from us.”

The day-care center had originally contracted to use the pool during the summer, but the club canceled the agreement and returned the day-care center’s $1,950 check without explanation. The club canceled contracts with two other day-care centers because of safety and crowding, swim club director John Duesler said. Those facilities have not protested the club’s actions. The issue was exacerbated when Duesler told two Philadelphia television stations the children had changed “the complexion” and “atmosphere” of the club. The comment brought protesters outside the facility. Duesler later said that safety and crowding prompted the cancellation.

As the controversy grew and reached national news shows, the swim club asked the Creative Steps day care to return. It refused and said it would pursue a lawsuit. In a statement posted Monday on his Web site, Perry summed up his feelings about the pool situation: “This made me so angry,” he wrote. “This is awful, and for anyone that has grown up in the inner-city, you know that one small act of kindness can change your life,” he wrote, adding that with the trip to Disney World, “I want them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you, there are millions more who will do something kind for them. This is all about the kids.”

SOURCE: CNN

Actor, producer, writer AND director Tyler Perry recently called in to Q100′s “The Bert Show” in Atlanta to discuss his thoughts on Michael Jackson‘s death and to criticize the media for bringing up Jackson’s child molestation charges instead of honoring his work.

“These are human beings, they’re human beings,” Perry said. “I wouldn’t wish the level of fame he achieved on my worst enemy. I am so disgusted, that, with every great thing that’s being said about him, there’s a million negative things being said. Why can’t it just be about his legacy rather than the tarnished part of what he was acquitted for? It bothers me that this is the focus.”

He also gave his support to MJ regarding his charges on child molestation, of which he was later acquitted for:

“Growing up as a kid who was molested, I am never, ever going to be a defender of a molester. But the truth of the matter is, the man was acquitted. And I have seen first-hand what people will do for money.”

Perry was due to start production on his sequel to the 2007 box office hit “Why Did I Get Married?” with Janet Jackson. But upon hearing the news of her brother’s death, Jackson, who was headed to Atlanta, re-routed to LA to be with her family.

SOURCE: EUR WEB

Some crazy woman from Georgia named Dawne Wilson was arrested last Wednesday outside of Tyler Perry‘s production studio in Atlanta after violating a restraining order Perry had previously obtained against her. Sources say Wilson had a long history of allegedly stalking Perry and he considers her “very dangerous.”

Well, TMZ obtained the restraining order Perry placed against the psycho and found some shocking details! The order claims that in March 2008, Dawne Wilson began contacting Perry via e-mail saying crazy things like “You need to check your heart condition because it is filled with murder…your love has been costly and deadly…Murder I say is the verdict….Why do you insist on assisting the devil?”

And now the crazy b*tch has rightfully been charged with felony aggravated stalking according to a filing Tuesday morning by The Fulton County D.A. in Georgia. According to the official police documents, Wilson was seen talking to Perry outside his studio last Wednesday (Apr. 15th) in Atlanta. The police report said that Wilson told cops that she had been called by one of Perry’s employees to come to the studio, so she assumed it was alright to be there.

Wilson is still in custody, and if she is convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison!

Mary J. Blige has landed herself a new acting gig in Tyler Perry‘s next Lionsgate film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” set to release to theaters September 11th 2009. The film will also star Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.

Based on Perry’s stage play of the same name, the film centers around Blige’s character Tanya, a nightclub manager, and her good friend April, played by Henson. Also part of the cast is Perry’s comedic alter ego, Madea. Principal photography is already under way at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

Blige is also set to guest in a popular primetime television series, which will be announced at a later date. She previously appeared on HBO’s “Entourage” in 2007. The singer/songwriter is recording songs as well for the follow-up to her 2007 Matriarch/Geffen album, “Growing Pains.” The new album slated for release later this year.

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