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Tyler Perry fans were shocked to see the popular inspirational film and show producer “making it rain” throwing cash to a stripper. Perry was attending an Usher concert in Atlanta when videos show a stripper twerking in front of the “Madea” actor and producer. Perry can be seen tossing “Usher Bucks” (fake money given at the event) to the stripper before whispering in her ear. BLS reports that the woman apparently did not recognize Perry until he identified himself and walked away, saying “I’m out,” before Usher stopped him to offer more Bucks.

It’s an off-brand public appearance for Perry, who usually presents himself as a strong, tongues-speaking Christian man. Many of his films focus on the downsides of drug and alcohol-filled lifestyles and his popular character Madea has criticized characters for their immodest clothing. Perry’s new Netflix show “Beauty in Black,” features an exotic dancer whose life is turned upside down when it intersects with a successful black family. Commentors on the video shared their surprise. “Madea what are you doing here?” said one user. Another theorized that Perry was speaking to the stripper as Madea, saying “Take this and buy some clothes baby …. go cover yourself up.”

Internet preacher Marcus Rogers was far less amused, posting a video on his channel to condemn the activity. “This behavior isn’t biblical, and this behavior reminds me of what the Bible warns about. If you ever want to know why I do what I do, the Bible says the watchmen, when you see something and you standing on that wall and you don’t say something, the blood is going to be on your hands. The Bible says to cry loud and spare not,” he said. He also added, “We make excuses in the black community all the time because we idolize culture. We put culture over Kingdom. If someone is black and successful and they say that they’re Christian, you know we can’t speak bad about anything that’s going on, but this is what’s going on.” He was also critical of Gospel singer Kirk Franklin, who also performed at the concert. “Kirk, I feel like this is what Kirk Franklin really wants to do and wants to be, and that’s why he’s with all the dancing. [The] Bible says don’t love the world. Come out from among the world and be separate,” he said.

Perry is currently set to work on a retelling of the story of Ruth and Boaz, called “R&B.” The character of Ruth will be a young woman leaving a career in music to care for an elderly widow, most likely representative of Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law in the Biblical story. To date, Perry has not commented on his appearance.

 

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