Tyler Perry has heard the response to his non-existent writers room loud and clear.
The mogul ignited a debate on social media recently when he posted a video explaining that he writes the scripts for his series, including the reboot of “House of Payne” and new series for BET, including “Sistas” and “The Oval.”
» RELATED: Social media reacts to Tyler Perry being the sole writer of his hit shows
“I don’t know if you know this, but all shows on television have a writers room and most of the time there are ten people, 12, whatever that write on these television shows,” Perry said. “I have no writers room. Nobody writes any of my work. I write it all.”
Perry said the purpose of the video was to share his “work ethic,” but some felt he ought to bring in other voices to craft his shows’ dialogue.
how you have the largest black owned studio in atlanta AND NO WRITERS ROOM?! NO BLACK WRITERS?! and then have the nerve to flex that as if you’re not watering down your own accomplishments. tyler perry irks the living hell out of me
— DR. MANHATTAN (@nappytreee) January 7, 2020
Someone else said on Instagram, “Great work ethic but getting other writers in helps give it a different perspective also.”
A day after his footage caused a stir, Perry responded with a photo of himself hard at work on his laptop sitting fireside in a huge cabin.
“My writers room!!!” read the Jan. 7 Instagram caption. “To the millions of you who are loving what I do and watch my shows every week, don’t worry, I ain’t stopping!!! Don’t forget. The Haves and the Have Nots returns tonight on @owntv and The Oval and Sistas return tomorrow on @BET!!”
» RELATED: Why Eddie Murphy says Tyler Perry is Dolemite for the new generation
Perry appeared to focus his attention on the positive feedback he received from fans who applauded his work ethic. And more positivity followed.
An Instagram commenter said, “Well done! Well done!”
Keep working, Mr. Perry! Can’t wait for the return of House of Payne! The people complaining are the same ones who tune in every week to see the same people curse, fight, throw water on each other and then have a reunion on Love & Hip Hop and Basketball Wives 😂🤷🏽♀️
— 🤷🏽♀️🥳 (@ijustbtweeting) January 7, 2020
Still, not everyone felt Perry took notice of their issues.
» RELATED: Billboards pay off for actress who posted two near Tyler Perry Studios
Hey Mr. @tylerperry Your writer’s room is impeccable! I know you said Hollywood ignored you. There are tons of Black writer’s who can benefit from being in there with you. Please see us🙏🏿
— Cabrini Green forever. (@producedbynik) January 7, 2020
I’m happy for your success but I can’t wrap my mind around this level of tone deafness. Multiple voices are good for growth and different points of view. pic.twitter.com/cLj2W2f2X0
— Lisa (@gritsandguac) January 7, 2020
» RELATED: Tyler Perry to end 'Madea' franchise
Perry isn’t just working on television. Despite his famed Madea character being put to bed last year, he’s still focused on making movies. His next film, “A Fall from Grace,” debuts on Netflix Jan. 17.
About the Author