Tyler Perry Faces New Allegations Amid Lawsuit — Former Friend Claims He Was Once “Openly Gay”
Tyler Perry is facing renewed scrutiny as a new lawsuit and resurfaced claims bring his personal life into the public spotlight.
The media mogul, known for building an entertainment empire and portraying the iconic Madea character, is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by a former male actor who alleges inappropriate behavior on the set of one of Perry’s productions. The lawsuit, though still ongoing and unproven in court, has reignited long-running speculation about Perry’s sexuality — and triggered widespread conversation across social media.
Old Friend Speaks Out: “Tyler Was Out Before the Fame”
Adding to the firestorm is a resurfaced interview from Walter Hampton, a man who claims to have been close to Perry during his early years in Atlanta. Hampton alleges that Perry was “out” and openly gay before his rise to fame, but chose to remain private about his sexuality once his work began gaining traction — especially among his core audience of older, conservative Black women.
“He was living openly before the fame,” Hampton claimed. “But once he got big, he got scared of what his audience would think.”
Hampton’s comments, while not new, have gone viral again in the wake of the lawsuit, prompting renewed discussions around authenticity, image control, and the pressures placed on public figures — especially Black men in positions of power.
Tyler Perry Has Previously Addressed the Rumors
Though Perry has long declined to put labels on his personal life, he has spoken in the past about the constant public speculation.
In past interviews, he has expressed frustration over the obsession with his sexuality, noting that his work — particularly characters like Madea — has often been used to make assumptions about his identity.
“I believe people have the right to privacy,” Perry has said. “And that includes me.”
The Bigger Conversation: Fame, Identity & Protection
Social media reactions to the lawsuit and Hampton’s claims have been deeply divided. While some believe public figures owe fans transparency, others argue that no one should be forced to disclose their identity, especially if it puts their safety, mental health, or livelihood at risk.
The moment also raises difficult but necessary questions about power dynamics in the entertainment industry, and whether LGBTQ+ individuals — particularly Black men — still feel the need to hide who they are to succeed.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Tyler Perry has not publicly responded to the latest allegations or to Hampton’s revived claims. Legal proceedings around the lawsuit are ongoing, and no wrongdoing has been proven.
Still, the public conversation continues — not just about Perry, but about fame, freedom, and the complex intersection of identity and power in Hollywood.