When I saw that an interview with American filmmaker Tyler Perry published by the Times of London was causing a stir online, the first thing I thought was…
‘Who the hell is Tyler Perry?’
Well, it turns out he’s pretty well known as a purveyor of trashy comedies that rarely get released outside of the United States. He writes, directs and even stars. Apparently, he is famous for playing a grandmother named Madea.
He is also known for being the original benefactor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they fled the Royal Family in 2020 and took up residence in California.
Yes, before they settled into his Montecito mansion, Perry swooped on them and allowed them to stay in his own palatial $18 million Beverly Hills home until they found their place.
And now, almost five years after saving the Sussexes from homelessness, it looks like Perry is still doing them favors.
When the Times journalist asked him how he helped Meghan and Harry prepare for their move to Los Angeles, the Hollywood businessman made it a point not only to close the question with two icy words, but also to attack the British press in general.
“I didn’t,” he responded, prompting The Times to note that “any conversational intimacy evaporated” and the interview soon went off the rails. Oh.
Hollywood businessman Tyler Perry was the original benefactor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they fled the Royal Family in 2020 and took up residence in California. He still appears to be offering them favors, writes Amanda Goff. (Perry and Meghan are pictured on December 4)
When asked by the Times of London how he helped Meghan and Harry prepare for their move to Los Angeles, Perry made it a point not only to close the question with two icy words, but also to attack the British press in general. (Harry and Meghan are pictured in September 2023)
While we can’t know for sure if Perry was acting as a spokesperson for the Sussexes here, and keep in mind that they have a history of briefing their A-list friends on what to say to the press, his words immediately sounded off to me.
When he told the Times reporter to “stand down,” I read it as, “They’re ours now and I won’t let you hurt them anymore.”
Noble? Yes. Be ashamed? Also yes.
More importantly, it shows that almost five years after Megxit, the Sussexes still see the world in “us versus them” terms, with America firmly entrenched as the “good guys” and the British cast as Hollywood’s voice-over villains. plum.
It also suggests to me that any chance of reconciliation with the Royal Family remains very slim, despite reports that King Charles deeply misses his wayward son.
Perry and Meghan were photographed together this week at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills, where the 55-year-old filmmaker and philanthropist was honored with a celebration of his illustrious career.
Meghan, who, let’s be honest, rarely misses opening an envelope, was photographed alongside the friend who so bravely rescued her in her time of need. In terms of saviors, she’s second only to her husband Harry, who rescued her from the Canadian set of Suits, a TV sitcom she was apparently leaving when they met..
Anyway, back to *that* question. There was nothing terribly offensive about it, was there?
While we can’t know for sure if Perry was acting as a spokesperson for the Sussexes here – and keep in mind that they have a history of briefing their A-list friends on what to say to the press – Perry’s words immediately sounded off to me. writes Amanda (pictured). When he told the Times reporter to “stand down,” I read it as, “They’re ours now and I won’t let you hurt them anymore.”
After ignoring the reporter, he added: ‘Meghan is from California. He knows California well. So there was nothing to prepare them for. But I will say this: what I learned about mentioning them – because there is an insatiable appetite to know everything about them – is that any question that is asked becomes the headline for everything I say.’
Then, when asked why the appetite for news about the couple was so insatiable, Perry replied: “You’re from the UK, tell me.” The suggestion that America had equally strong feelings towards Harry and Meghan led Perry to comment: ‘You think? Well, you would know better than me because I’m not paying attention to that world.
Of course, the truth is that Perry helped them prepare for life in Los Angeles. In 2020 he sent Meghan, whom he did not knowa note that said, “If you ever need anything, I’m here.”
Meghan accepted the offer to live in his $18 million home with access to his private jet and security team. I mean, what girl wouldn’t say yes to that? Meghan knows a lot when she sees one.
Not only did she grab the offer with both hands, but once she and Harry were safe in Beverly Hills, where they were finally able to escape the paparazzi! – she became Perry’s godfather to his daughter Lilibet.
Perry seems to enjoy his role as protector of exiled royalty. And his powerful words offer a brief but fascinating insight into how Harry and Meghan – or at least their inner circle – continue to view their relationship with Britain and the monarchy.
Yes, despite being part of the Montecito furniture, Perry still acts like Harry and Meghan need some American muscle to chase away the old Englishmen.
Please.
Perhaps this is how Meghan sees the situation, almost five years after fleeing Britain? Who could say? But Perry’s interview certainly invites speculation.
Personally, I never had much sympathy for the Sussexes. After that interview with Oprah in 2021, I was done. It speaks of biting the hand that feeds; His unforgivable revelation was like ripping the arms off the people who loved you.
I grew up in London. Londoners loved the Queen, especially in working class areas. I remember excitedly waving my Union Jack flag and eating trifles at a street party in the East End during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
I was three years old and if you’re not British, it’s hard to understand the magic of royalty and how they bring the country together. They are beacons of light, especially in dark times, not to mention a huge boon to our tourism industry.
When Princess Diana announced her pregnancy with William, my eight-year-old daughter wrote him a poem. Imagine my excitement when a few weeks later I received a handwritten thank you note in the mail, signed simply “Diana.”
When I was a child, it made my year. As a 50 year old woman, it still makes me smile.
And then along came Meghan, an actress who, apparently, had her sights set on Harry for some time.. We all know the story: they meet, they get married, the British (for the most part) loved her. They then left for America, leaving the Queen heartbroken.
Then came Oprah, Spotify, Netflix. That book. The attack on royalty is sold to the highest bidder.
Watching Tyler Perry reinforce the opinion of some Americans (and Brits) that the Sussexes are victims of all this and need protection made me roll my eyes.
My message to Meghan is simple :HOllywood is a fickle friend; Britain, on the other hand, is not your enemy and you do not need to protect yourself from its monarchy or its people.
Despite everything that’s happened, you know the Royal Family would welcome the two of you in a heartbeat. Charles’ love for his youngest son runs too deep.
The longer you leave Britain behind, the harder it will be to return home. Remember, the British are very forgiving. Look how they welcomed Camilla.
One day you will discover that family, real family, is more important than a Hollywood friend.s.