Betrayed By Blood: Tyler Perry Opens Up On Why He Cut Off His Own Family

Billionaire filmmaker Tyler Perry has opened up about why he chose to cut off financial support to certain members of his extended family, including firing a close relative who repeatedly skipped work.

During an interview on Den of Kings with Kirk Franklin, the 55-year-old entertainment icon explained that he had employed his aunt in an effort to help her become independent. However, she consistently failed to show up for work, relying instead on their family ties to shield her from consequences.

“She was always asking for money, and I kept sending it,” Perry shared. “Eventually, I told her, ‘I don’t want to just give you handouts—I want to empower you. Let me give you a job.’”

Despite his efforts, Perry said her lack of commitment forced him to take action.

“I had to let her go,” he recounted. “You want the money, but you don’t want to work for it. That’s not how this works.”

With a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion by Forbes, Perry also revealed how he’s instilling strong values in his 10-year-old son, Aman. He emphasized the importance of earning rewards rather than receiving them freely.

“I don’t believe in enabling anyone—giving things without responsibility does more harm than good,” Perry said. Aman is required to do chores before earning his allowance, and when he once complained about flying commercial, Perry and Aman’s mother, Gelila Bekele, made him start flying coach to keep him grounded.

After the passing of his mother, Maxine, in 2009, Perry informed some relatives she had once asked him to support that they had 60 days to get a job or lose his financial assistance.

“These weren’t high-paying jobs,” he noted, “but they gave them a sense of pride and purpose. That’s what I’d want someone to do for me too.”

Despite massive success through his Madea franchise—earning over $660 million—Perry remains committed to teaching his son the value of hard work.

“He’s not going to be some spoiled rich kid. I hate that mentality. He doesn’t have any money—I do,” Perry stated.