Social Media Reacts to Tyler Perry Calling Critics “Highbrow Negros”

Tyler Perry is never one to shy away from speaking his mind.

Recently, he appeared on the “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast to discuss the backlash surrounding his new film, “Divorce In The Black.”

During the interview, Perry defended his storytelling methods and ability to stay true to his “authentic voice.”

He said, “No, no, no, no, no, you gotta drown all of that out, because if you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in hell.”

He emphasized his connection with fans, saying, “I know for a fact that what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, because for everyone who is a critic, I have thousands of — what used to be — emails from people saying, ‘This changed my life. Oh my God, you know me. Oh my God, you saw me. How did you know this about my life and my family?’ That is what is important to me.”

Perry didn’t hold back when addressing his critics, whom he called “highbrow negros.”

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He explained, “A large portion of my fans are disenfranchised, who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend. So, you’ve got this highbrow negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything, then you got people like where I come from, and me, who are grinders, who really know what it’s like. Whose mothers were caregivers for white kids, and were maids, housekeepers…beauticians. Don’t discount these people and say their stories don’t matter. Who are you to be able to say which Black story is important, or should be told? Get out of here with that bullsh*t.”

Following his comments, many fans took to X to praise Perry for standing his ground. While others, however, engaged in heated debates over his storytelling style.

Tyler Perry called y’all some “highbrow negroes” for not liking his movies. Hxbxjdhdjxjxjxhxhx

— nope (@PrinceHAK33M) July 24, 2024

It’s not even about that. It’s about the fact Tyler Perry doesn’t know HOW to tell those Black stories in a way that doesn’t make it Black women trauma porn. Give the reigns to the many capable writers and directors out there. https://t.co/jXJWrmDbGN

— Mess (@mrmess) July 24, 2024

Tyler Perry doesn't care enough about his working class audience to give them well written scripts or well directed acting. Soft bigotry of low expectations

— professional internet user (@quidditch424) July 25, 2024

So I’m a highbrow negro cause I can tell your writing is lacking due to you trying to be the beautician, writer, director, and producer for some of your movies??? https://t.co/rtnORjIqtr pic.twitter.com/B2y5TJTYSc

— Mattie (Pre-PHD) (@mattieFRSH) July 24, 2024

Nigga don’t even pay property taxes on his studio lot….you are the highbrow negro https://t.co/zPQvbu6Oo7

— Girth Cousins (@IceQuebe_) July 25, 2024

Tyler Perry said if you don’t like his minstrelsy you’re a highbrow negro. pic.twitter.com/97JiYV80aA

— Broward Stern (@KnowbodysTweets) July 25, 2024

Black people do deserve to have our stories told. But Tyler Perry is not a storyteller. He is a man who hates black women and continues to make movies where he punishes black women for choosing happiness over suffering. He believes black women is synonymous with pain. https://t.co/RmlJB7G8KQ

— Feminist Witch 🇵🇸🇵🇸 🌙 (@DonCorleANN) July 25, 2024

How dare these highbrow negroes criticize me, a man who cares so much about the working class that I no longer work with the union that helps struggling writers stay afloat in the entertainment industry https://t.co/O5FwAELIEs

— Heben Nigatu (@hebennigatu) July 24, 2024

A billionaire calling Black folks “highbrow” THIS nigga is an opp…He also very CLEARLY has a problem with Black women. This cross dressing slue foot non-writers room having ass negro need to shut TF up and start funding REAL writers and pack his shit up Mr. Chocolate head ass https://t.co/DFgI5QcyON

— Negro Militant (@The_Kaptain8) July 24, 2024

High brow negros from a billionaire that refuses to unionize https://t.co/ujBI56O2Am

— fragrance and foolishness (@Brieyonce) July 24, 2024

I actually find it quite insulting that Tyler Perry thinks that black stories are only worth 5 days of shooting and deserving of a sole writer/director/producer. https://t.co/Az3MvnwalD

— Globethotter 🌍 (@BrianMcLight) July 24, 2024

An actual billionaire calling anyone a highbrow negro is hilarious. What an extreme lack of self awareness. https://t.co/bmWZDDSVKx

— AP (@APL212) July 25, 2024

I don’t think we’re discounting these stories Tyler, I think we’re asking you tell them with a better execution. Nobody minds the content of your films if you choose those stories to tell…

We want better writing. That’s it. The shit is clownish at this point. https://t.co/Qo10g5sGVN

— longcat 🐾✨ (@kinglovee__) July 24, 2024

A black man with a billion dollars, who made his career capitalizing off of black trauma calling other people highbrow negroes is WILD! https://t.co/QD7KDGUUUz

— Chopped Cheese Knee (@Optimus_Val) July 25, 2024