Tyler Perry: 'Spike Lee Needs to Shut the Hell Up'

By Zach Dionne Posted Apr 20th 2011 01:45PM

Tyler Perry has blasted fellow director Spike Lee for being such a harsh critic, according to Box Office Magazine.

"I'm so sick of hearing about damn Spike Lee," Perry said during a California press conference on Tuesday. "Spike can go straight to hell! You can print that. I am sick of him talking about me."

Vulture notes that in 2009, Lee made the following incendiary comments about Perry's work: "Each artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors, but I still think there is a lot of stuff out today that is coonery and buffoonery. I know it's making a lot of money and breaking records, but we can do better ... I see these two ads for these two shows (Perry's 'Meet the Browns' and 'House of Payne'), and I am scratching my head."

"I am sick of him saying, 'this is a coon, this is a buffoon,'" Perry elaborated in his press conference. "I am sick of him talking about black people going to see movies. This is what he said: 'you vote by what you see,' as if black people don't know what they want to see."

According to Perry, Lee has spouted unwanted opinions about Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Clint Eastwood. "Spike needs to shut the hell up!" Perry said.

Perry's 'Madea's Big Happy Family' opens nationwide on Friday. Box Office Magazine called the 41-year-old director/producer/actor "one of the most successful [filmmakers] in Hollywood, thanks to a string of hits that engaged African-American and churchgoing audiences like few others have been able to."

In 2009, Forbes ranked Perry as the sixth-highest paid man in Hollywood. Spike Lee, a motion picture staple since the late '80s, is a two-time Academy Award nominee.

Being the butt of high-profile jokes is nothing new for Perry and his body of work, but certain recurring criticisms pushed him to speak out. "They go on to say that people of other ethnic groups or white people don't go see my movies, and that's all a lie," he said on Tuesday. "I'm standing on stage looking at thousands of people, thousands of faces, with every race represented, and I'm tired of it. I'm tired of just laying down, tired of just being nice and letting them say whatever they want to say however they want to say it without people knowing what the intent really is."

Moviefone: Twitter Comedians Rip On Tyler Perry's 'Madea's Big Happy Family'

Tags: Spike Lee, Tyler Perry

Comments

(128)

Wednesday 20 April

By Lissy

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:::applause:::: for Mr Perry! Spike Lee needs to shut the hell up and make an entertaining movie. He is the buffoon.

By car123

I agree with you Lissy, the only thing wrong with Spike Lee is jealousy. His movies have not been as successful as Tyler Perry's. I have seen a couple of Spike's movies and did not like them.

By John & Candace

I love Tyler Perry - and I am definitely not a black person - I am one of those pale, freckly white people who run from the sun or get burned to a crisp. His movies are sometimes silly, but he has made some great stories too - you could say the same of many movie makers - white, black, green or purple, sometimes we don't like their movies, it's just a matter of taste. Personally, I like Tyler and his movies - I too am fed up with Spike Lee shooting his mouth off - use that mouth for something good Spike - criticizing a fellow film maker isn't doing you any good, or Tyler. There are plenty of causes that could use someone articulate to argue for them!

By bobbysgirl11350

He is also a Racist man. Someone needs to tell him the truth about himself.

By Bill

What has Spike Lee done lately besides sit courtside and watch the Knicks go into the toilet?

By joan

You are so right Lissy.
Spike Lee is so jealous of Tyler Perry who is by far a smarter, nicer and better man than Lee will ever be. Spike Lee has always had an attitude problem and that is why his films are few and far between and he is also rather racist in his remarks as well. Thumbs up to Tyler Perry who is so right in what he says about Lee.....

By KR

Spike Lee? Isn't he that guy that makes a living sitting courtside at the Knicks game hoping for a photo op??

By angerISFORlosers

spike lee is probably the most racist person in the world, and he's known more for being obnoxious than his movies

By plz

Spike looks like he be da center for the big dog.

By Inaheat

I think Spike's a little jealous of Tyler, because even though his movies might be better quality in terms of writing and acting, yet Tyler's movies are making a lot of more money than Spike's ever did. So Tyler don't worry about it. Who's laughing all the way to the bank?

By Bonbon

you go tyler, spike lees a jerk

By Lynnie

Tyler Perry makes movies and shows that have universal appeal because his characters are relatable. He also gently makes a point with his work and he has a reputation for doing good in general: y'all remember those poor kids in PA that got kicked out of that country club because (gasp!) they were black? Mr. Perry flew them all down to Disney. DOn't seem to recall Mr. Lee doing anything like that. I wish there were more good men out there like Mr. Perry!

By Alice

I don't like Spike Lee personally, but I agree with him. Tyler Perry seems like a really nice person, but let's get real - a lot of his stuff is straight up buffoonery. Does he have a right to do it? Of course. Is it advancing a culture? Clearly not. Do creative works have to? No. Would it be better if they did? I think so.

By E-Dub

So, helping spread a Christian message, which he does in almost every film he's ever made, is buffoonery? Wow, get the hell away from me, I don't want to be near you when the lightning strikes devil worshipper!!! LMFAO!!!

By MonkeyCheez52

And movies like "Dumb and Dumber" and "Wayne's World" advanced white culture?

Saturday 30 April

By rrealitycheck101

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Tyler Perry's movies are funny. It's his TV SHOWS that portray Black people as stereotypical buffoons. That one fool in those god awful patterned clothes should be shot. I wish they would take BOTH of those tv shows off the air! HORRIBLE!!!

By Stephanie

I do agree with you Alice. I think there is a happy medium somewhere in between Madea and Spike Lee's movies and characters. I once heard Spike Lee speak at my college and he came across as the angriest man I'd ever seen. He does need to lighten up but don't point fingers at another director in the process. If you're not happy with what Tyler is offering Spike, then put out something better or more positive yourself.

By pangai

I am white my wife is Tongan and we have seen every one of Mr. Perry's movies (we own every single DVD). In addition, many of our neighbors borrow movies routinely and they all enjoy Mr. Perry's films. His casts may be predominantly black, but the themes reach across ethnic lines and apply to many cultures (Muck like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" appealed to an audience significantly larger than just the Greek populace).
Mr. Lee is a tremendous filmmaker as well and we enjoy his films, but I do not understand his vitriol towards his fellow filmmakers. It makes him look petty and small.

By Belleu

Ammen ! I appreciate and agree with your post, and furthermore I thank you for it. Godd Bless !

By Julie DuBose

I think Tyler Perry is a wonderful producer, actor, and human being!I am a 45 yr old white female and i have learned some life lessons from Tylers movies! I think he teaches from the gospel and thank God He keeps that in his movies! Perhaps Mr. Lee needs to be prayed for.

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