Billionaire Tyler Perry Terminates Aunt, Cuts Off Family Financial Support: "I’m Not Welfare"

Billionaire Tyler Perry Reveals He Fired His Aunt, Cut Off Relatives Over Work Ethic
By Adam S. Levy | Updated: 02:30 BST, 24 July 2025

Tyler Perry, the 55-year-old entertainment mogul, isn’t afraid to enforce tough love—even with family. During a candid conversation on the YouTube show Den of Kings, Perry shared how he once fired his own aunt for repeatedly skipping work and cut off relatives who relied on his wealth without contributing effort.

[Image: Tyler Perry speaking on Den of Kings with host Kirk Franklin]

“Nepotism Has Limits”
Perry, whose net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, explained that his aunt initially asked him for financial help. “She’d call asking for money, and I’d send it,” he said. However, he soon offered her a job to encourage self-sufficiency. “I told her, ‘I want to help you build something, not be your welfare.’”

The arrangement quickly soured. Perry revealed his aunt began missing work, assuming their family tie would shield her. “I fired her myself,” he said. “You don’t want to work for the money? That doesn’t work for me.”

Teaching Responsibility
The Madea creator applies the same principles to parenting. He requires his 10-year-old son, Aman, to complete chores before receiving an allowance. “Handing people things just handicaps them,” Perry emphasized. “Pride comes from earning what you have.”

[Image: Perry with his son Aman at a public event]

A Shift After His Mother’s Passing
Perry’s stance hardened after his mother, Maxine, died in 2009. She had urged him to support certain relatives, but Perry later sent letters giving them 60 days to find jobs before cutting off funds. “Some got jobs—not high-paying, but enough to feel pride,” he said. “That’s what I’d want for myself.”

Addressing Controversy
The interview comes amid Perry denying recent sexual harassment allegations from actor Derek Dixon, which he calls “baseless.” While briefly acknowledging the lawsuit, Perry focused on his broader message: “Success means nothing without accountability.”

[Image: Perry at a press conference addressing legal claims]

Final Word
Perry’s story underscores his belief in self-reliance. “My wealth isn’t a free pass,” he said. “Everyone deserves the dignity of earning their way.”

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Images suggested: 1. Perry on Den of Kings, 2. Perry with son, 3. Perry addressing media