Tyler Perry has raised some eyebrows over his comments regarding Black women and their role in relationships.
The Madea creator recently sat down for a chat with the “Keep It Positive, Sweetie” podcast alongside host Crystal Renee Hayslett. During the interview, the talk of splitting bills in a relationship came up, and the film producer had an interesting take on Black women dating men who make less than them.
“In our society right now, Black women are making a lot more money, for the most part, than Black men. If you can find love, if that man works at whatever job and is a good man, and is good to you, and honors you, and honors the house, and honors his wife, and does what he can, that is okay.”
His advice did not sit well with social media, particularly the women of Black Twitter, who questioned why they are expected to settle in the dating world while other races of women are not held to the same standards.
I don’t care what Tyler Perry say, ain’t no “I only got $50 on the light bill ass” man allowed in my house. I’m perfectly fine with being single forever. pic.twitter.com/Dw6psn3aT8
— The Neighborhood Publicist (@nhoodpublicist) September 14, 2023
My thoughts on Tyler Perry have never wavered. He’s a mysogynoirist who lives to humble Black women. I loathe him & his buffoon alter ego Madea. That bitch made billions at our expense and has the audacity to want us to “live on love”. He can bite the deepest part of my groin.
— MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige) September 15, 2023
Why doesn’t a rich black man like Tyler Perry share knowledge,
insight, & tips to black men to position themselves to be better providers? 🤔Always asking black women to adjust & accommodate to a patriarch system we didn’t create & is designed against us is insane to me 🤯 https://t.co/VPQYZudfD4
— Ceyonce❤️ (@Skorpeeyo5) September 15, 2023
Tyler Perry always encouraging Black women to date down & that’s the mf’n problem.
Why aren’t we telling Black men to be more ambitious, career driven, invest in the right things, take care of the home first, etc.
Why is it always Black women come down to meet them where they at? https://t.co/YjnMVQvlf1— Cacao 🇳🇬 (@OhWho_OhLu) September 14, 2023
Tyler Perry telling black women to accept struggle love and a man that can only pay a light bill is wild because this cross dressing ass nigga really think life is like one of his Madea movies 💀 pic.twitter.com/vksgRa5vKB
— Phuc Dat Bich 💕 (@kblissful_) September 15, 2023
Are we really surprised Tyler Perry is telling BW to date down? BW dating down has been a plot in all of his movies. His character Madea is a stereotypical misogynistic caricature of older BW. This man clearly does not think highly of BW or believe we are deserving of anything.
— CeeCee Mari (@MariCeeCee98) September 15, 2023
Later in the convo, Perry added that if a man makes less than his woman but can cover at least the light bill, “that is fine.” His views arise at a time when finances in relationships seem to be a hot topic among content creators. Perry has not yet attempted to clarify his comments on the matter, but does he have a point? Or is this type of rhetoric detrimental to Black women?