Tyler Perry Responds to Spike Lee’s Criticism on ‘60 Minutes’

Last Updated Oct 2009

By AFRO Staff

Acclaimed producer/director Tyler Perry (Courtesy Photo)

(October 29, 2009) - In an interview with “60 Minutes,” famed film producer and director Tyler Perry responded to fellow producer Spike Lee’s claims that his work is “coonery” and “buffoonery,” blackamericaweb.com reported.

“That pisses me off. It is so insulting,” Perry said of the criticism, which interviewer Byron Pitts read.

Defending his work, which has grossed millions in box office revenue, Perry said he grew up with many people similar to characters on his hit films and TV shows, like “House of Payne” and Meet the Browns.”

Lee first publicly criticized Perry in May during the 14th Annual Black Enterprise Conference, comparing the Louisiana native to “Amos n Andy.” His comments were heavily debated among African Americans.

Although Lee is critical of Perry’s work, media mogul Oprah Winfrey is a staunch supporter of the award-winning producer. She also appeared on the “60 Minutes” broadcast, where she praised Perry for his foresight and success.

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If one does not have a positive or good remark to say about another person; it would be better that the negative remarks be kept to themselves. It is that which comes out of the mouth of a person that defiles them. No one would have never known that Mr. Lee was such a "hater," and would attempt to belittle another brother because that brother is being blessed. Stop bad mouthing and crushing the positive role models; and encourage those who are so negative to see that there are positive and good things that happen in life. Rarely do you hear good news.

Posted By: A. Peaches M on Oct 2009

It is really sad and disheartening when we as apeople donot support one another. Considering where Spike Lee has come from he would uplift another brother even if he doesn't understand his works. Between the two, I can truly say that it has been through Tyler Perry's filmsa and sitcoms that I have laughted, cried and walked away with an outstanding and important message as a Human Being not just a a race. Spike Lee deals with history where Tyler Perry deals with reality and the changes needed. I had the pleasure of seeing Spike Lee at an Awards Banquet in Delaware for my Son, where he was the guest speaker. I thought I had learned a lot about the person (Spike Lee) that I did not know but I can see now that my first impression of him prior to that day was a truer impression than what he delivered. I am a true Tyler Perry Fan and I wish him only the best, and I also hope that Spike Lee can see not only his own worth, but the worth in Tyler Perry for the Human Race, not just the African American Race.

Posted By: Bettye P on Oct 2009

Lee needs get over himself. Styles vary;his artistic interpretation is not the only perspective. Frankly, I never cared for his work. Finally, if he has a problem with a perspective different from his why doesn't he approach the source to discuss it as opposed to publicly denouncing another artist's work. How disgusting.

Posted By: c f on Oct 2009

I would like to see more intelligent characters in his movies and not always comedies. I grew up with people that were funny but they were serious role models that the whole world needs to see. I like Bill Cosby because he was funny put most of this characters were interesting. I grew up in a blue color family but they were not ignorant. I don't know if Spike should have said it but it needed to be said by some one. I stop going to see Black movies in the late sixties because they became so ignorant that I could not bear to watch them. Mr. Perry seems to be heading in the same direction.

Posted By: aisha a on Oct 2009

I enjoy Tyler Perry's characters because I either know someone like them, including myself. People feel shame when they see themselves or a love one in a realistic view and I believe that’s why Tyler Perry characters are criticized. If one doesn't see themselves or someone they know in Tyler Perry's characters they're in denial. Spike Lee needs to get over himself and find a way to contain his jealously because Tyler Perry lets people see themselves for who and what they are. And if they don't like what they see then they should take a page from Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror, paraphrasing, if you don't like what you see take a look at yourself and make a change.

Posted By: Fragile F on Oct 2009

Tyler Perry is smashing and refreshing. It’s times that we see ourselves in the characters in his movies. Onward and upward, Brother Tyler. May God bless you and the folks in your business circle. Laugher is a good thing. Christian core value is outstanding and has meat. As for Spike Lee, please…he belongs with the NBA New York Knicks. Losers.

Posted By: Floyd B on Oct 2009

10.30th.09 What We As A People(any race What We should notaccept is: deception as part as legiti- mate fact!But,we keep our eyes on CHRIST.Stay

Posted By: Jo T on Oct 2009

when is ur new play will come on dvd

Posted By: darlene w on Nov 2009

First of all, Tyler didn't kiss anyone's rearend to get where he is in his life. How many years did it take Spike Lee to even make a movie? And can you remember the name of the movie and content? I love every play and movie because it depicts a lot of things that we have either gone through, walked around it or maybe even have some of the same people around us, whether it was at home, in the neighborhood, or a million other places in our life. The fact that we have a black President should not stop Tyler to show it as it is in so many our lives. Spike Lee finally works for the white man and MR. TYLER PERRY has been able to give the people another HOLLYWOOD down in the ATL. Spike Lee is still living what is called the CRAWDAD SYNDROM. He is so afraid that someone else was able to get to the top among all the adversities he has experienced in his life and how he saw others just tried to survive. Tyler, don't be piss off for other peoples ignorence, the kind Spike Lee spit out. Don't allow others to stop the blessings that God has for you - keep smiling and brush the dust of Spike Lee off your shoulder. Lets see when he will have his own studio, characters and the $$$$$$ God has blessed you with. Don't give him the satisfaction of allowing someone like him to stop what you're doing. I applaud you and what you have gone through and you still made it with the help and love of God and having the right people in your life. Please don't stop what you are doing and let all the spike lees in the world continue being HATERS. (If you find some misspelled words, excuse my typing - LOL). Much peace and love to you my brother!

Posted By: Val B on Nov 2009

are the lines being drawn between black people and negros? are we ever so slowly waking up? Is it too late in day? Tyler Perry, like Oprah, are negros!

Posted By: Shabaka T on Nov 2009

We MUST LEARN AND UNDERSTAND, the mainstream media is owned and CONTROLLED by the WEALTH in this country. And THEY CONTROLL WHAT THEYWANT PERCEIVED. I heard the comments Mr. Lee made. He DID NOT SAY anything derogatory about Mr. Perrys' work. In the words of P.E. HYPE MAN "DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE" This has remnants of the "WILLIE LYNCH LETTER"

Posted By: Solar E on Nov 2009

The fact is the sort of movies Spike make don't make money. What business of his what kind of movies Tyler makes. He is just made because he has massive Black support. For those who don't like Tyler movies, no one is putting a gun to your head, making you go to the theatres. Live and let live. This envy is too much.

Posted By: Big Sistah Patty P on Nov 2009

I applaud Tyler Perry, I think his work is just wonderful and easy to relate to. Please keep doing, what you're doing. You are truly an inspiration.

Posted By: Evonne H on Nov 2009

With what we've been through as a people, I can't beleive Spike Lee would say something like that. Here we go black-on-black crime in the Film Industry. If Spike said that, he need to stop and think. The white man probably said the same about his films and we (black folks) kept supporting him. I have two famous words that Spike can relate to - "WAAAAKE UUUUUP!!!!" Tyler Perry keep doing what you are doing. We applaud your work my brother.

Posted By: Alex A on Nov 2009

No... we as a people DON'T support one another. Unless you are a slave to the Democrat party and keep your mouth shut, you're not a good 'boy'. Take your welfare check and shut up. If you disagree with the Democrat/Socialist/Marxist party line, you are called names and marginalized. Uncle Tom, etc... Guess what, folks? You do not have to vote Democrat to be black. Become an INDEPENDENT! LIKE ME. It's OUR future..... I doubt they will print this comment as afro.com does not like dissent from their Democrat party masters! We've been voting for Democrats since the 70's. What has gotten better? NOTHING! We are MORE poor, have our kids having more kids and play the victim game. If you want Hope and Change, DUMP the slave driving Democrat party. Facts: -The KKK was an offshoot of the Democrat party. -The Democrats FILIBUSTERED the 1964 Civil Rights Act. -The is ONE member of the Senate that was a KKK member (A GRAND Wizard!) AND lead the FILIBUSTER of the Civil Rights Act..... Sen. Robert Byrd. Still in the Senate. A DEMOCRAT! - MLK was a Republican. LOOK IT UP! aaaaand.... WAKE UP!

Posted By: Ster D on Nov 2009

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