Tyler Perry Sets Boundaries: “I’d Rather Give You a Job Than Keep Sending You Money”

Hollywood billionaire and film producer Tyler Perry has opened up about the firm boundaries he sets with family members when it comes to money.

Speaking during a candid interview on Kirk Franklin’s Den of Kings YouTube series, Perry explained that despite his wealth, he’s not in the habit of handing out money freely. Instead, he prefers to empower his loved ones with opportunities that promote independence and responsibility.

The Madea creator recalled a specific instance involving his aunt, who regularly asked him for financial assistance. Hoping to break the cycle, Perry offered her a job instead.

“She said she wanted a job. I told her, ‘Let me help you build something instead of acting like welfare to you.’ So I gave her a job,” Perry said.

Unfortunately, his aunt didn’t take the role seriously and began skipping work, forcing him to make a tough decision.

“You want me to hand you money, but you don’t want to work for it that doesn’t work for me,” he explained, adding that he eventually had to let her go.

Perry also shared how he enforces the same values at home. His 10-year-old son must complete chores before receiving anything he asks for a lesson in responsibility that Perry says is crucial for growth.

After the passing of his mother in 2009, the filmmaker made another bold move: he sent letters to several relatives his mother had once supported, giving them 60 days to find jobs, stating he wouldn’t continue to support them financially without effort on their part.

“I don’t believe in giving people things that will handicap them. That’s the worst thing you can do,” Perry stressed. He noted that many of them eventually found employment and regained a sense of purpose and pride.

His views have sparked conversations about self-reliance, family expectations, and the importance of meaningful help.