American filmmaker Tyler Perry has explained that the financial and emotional consequences of divorce, rather than marriage itself, are behind his decision to remain unmarried.
American filmmaker Tyler Perry has explained why he has chosen not to marry, saying his concern centres more on the consequences of divorce than marriage itself. Perry said he had watched people lose the wealth they built after their marriages ended and was unwilling to expose himself to a similar experience.
The actor, playwright and producer disclosed his position during a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where he also spoke about relationships, betrayal and the continuing influence of his late mother. “Nope, it’s not the marriage that bothers me; it’s the divorce. Everybody that I know who did well and went broke, it was because of a divorce, so I’m good being free,” Perry said.
According to the filmmaker, the possibility that a marriage could end badly has strongly influenced his decision to remain unmarried. He also described the negative thoughts he associates with marriage, particularly the fear of being hurt, betrayed or cheated on by a partner.
“What makes me think about marriage is that you are no good, a heartbreaker, you’re a cheat, and I don’t know why I let you do this to me. That’s what I think about,” he said. Perry’s comments offered further insight into his decision to stay away from marriage, despite having previously been in a relationship and becoming a father.
The filmmaker also discussed the emotional impact of losing his mother, Maxine Perry, and the difficulty of continuing life without someone who played an important role in shaping him. He said people did not always understand the depth of grief associated with losing a mother.
“The thing that people don’t get is the stuff we deal with and the loss of a mother and how hard that is,” Perry said.
He added that he believed loved ones who had died could continue to watch over those they left behind, explaining that he still felt his mother’s presence and guidance. “I believe that people have angels that have gone on, but they are still looking out over, and that’s how I feel towards my mother,” he said. Perry also recalled that his mother frequently offered him advice and encouragement while she was alive.
The filmmaker has spoken publicly about her influence on his personal life and professional journey. His family experiences have also appeared in his creative work, particularly in stories addressing faith, resilience, family relationships and overcoming hardship. Perry has developed an independent entertainment business spanning films, television programmes and stage productions.
During his conversation with Jennifer Hudson, however, he focused on the personal experiences and observations behind his reluctance to marry, identifying divorce and its possible financial and emotional consequences as his main concerns.