24/10/2026
What do you think about this ans would you do this if you had billions as well.
Tyler Perry’s story gives us a different perspective on what it means to help family members. Despite building a fortune estimated at $1.4 billion, the filmmaker refused to let his money become a permanent source of support for relatives who could work but were not earning. After his mother died in 2009, he made a decision that changed the terms of their financial relationship. He gave them 60 days to find jobs or lose his financial support.
Perry shared the story during an appearance on Kirk Franklin’s talk show series Den of Kings, in an episode titled Being a Boss, which aired on July 20, 2025. His account raises a difficult question about family loyalty: when does financial help stop offering security and start encouraging dependence? While Perry’s mother was alive, he supported several relatives at her request. Helping them was part of how he honoured her wishes. But after her death in 2009, he reconsidered whether continuing those payments was actually helping them build better lives. He eventually sent letters giving relatives 60 days to become gainfully employed. The message was direct. They needed to find work if they wanted the financial support to continue. The aunt he helped, then fired. Perry also recalled an aunt who regularly called him asking for money. Instead of continuing to send cash, he offered her a job. However, according to his account, she repeatedly asked for time off and failed to show up for work. Perry eventually fired her and stopped providing financial assistance.