Tyler Perry has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the entertainment industry, especially with his contributions to Black cinema and television. With a prolific career spanning numerous films and TV shows, he’s garnered both praise and criticism. However, there’s a growing debate that can’t be ignored, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), about the portrayal of Black characters, especially Black women and dark-skinned Black men, in his work.

One user on X recently summed up what many have been feeling, stating, “Tyler Perry’s movies are more than just not for everyone. He’s a purveyor of misogynoir and anti-Black stereotypes, and I’m never going to look away in the name of ‘he hires Black people.'” This criticism reflects a broader sentiment that while Perry offers opportunities to Black actors and gives a voice to Black stories, the narratives he tells often fall into tired and harmful tropes.

Take his earlier film Diary of a Mad Black Woman, for instance. In it, Steve Harris plays Charles, a dark-skinned, successful lawyer who becomes a cruel and unfaithful husband. This depiction feeds into the stereotype of the wealthy Black man who abandons his community and mistreats Black women. Critics argue that this kind of portrayal is not only repetitive but damaging. As another X user noted, “Tyler Perry movies are bad depictions of Black people: Black man beats wife, she finds God, and now everybody does the Electric Slide.”

One striking pattern is that in many of Perry’s movies, dark-skinned Black men are often the villains or portrayed as abusers. This has sparked concerns that his films reinforce negative perceptions of these men, and some have questioned whether this serves any constructive purpose. It feels as though Perry is stuck in a cycle of overused stereotypes, particularly when it comes to Black masculinity.

That said, Perry has also produced shows that offer more nuanced storytelling. Take Sistas, for example, which follows the lives of four single Black women navigating their relationships, careers, and friendships. Unlike his films, Sistas provides a deeper exploration of these women’s personal journeys, though some argue that even here, there’s room for improvement in how the women’s stories are represented as a group.

Yet, regardless of what critics say, Perry’s work continues to dominate discussions, particularly concerning his portrayal of Black women. While some argue that his focus on their hardships—especially in romantic relationships—paints a limited picture, others believe he’s simply reflecting the reality many Black women face. This, they say, is why his work resonates with so many.

Then, of course, there’s the figure of Madea, Perry’s infamous cross-dressing character. While undoubtedly entertaining for some, Madea has drawn criticism for perpetuating the “Black man in a dress” trope—a common comedic device that many, including comedian Dave Chappelle, find problematic. Chappelle himself has spoken out about the pressure on Black male actors to wear dresses in Hollywood for a laugh, seeing it as a demeaning expectation that reinforces damaging stereotypes. His refusal to participate in such comedy highlights a bigger issue in the industry: the pressure on Black performers to conform to roles that may feel degrading.

This conversation hit a peak when Perry appeared on Keke Palmer’s podcast, where they discussed how some Black audiences, especially those on platforms like Black Twitter, aren’t fans of his work. Perry’s response, implying that his critics were “stuck-up therapy-going elitists,” only added fuel to the fire, painting him as someone out of touch with the very community he’s trying to represent. Many felt his dismissal of valid critiques revealed a reluctance to grow and evolve as an artist.

Despite all the criticism, it’s essential to acknowledge the positives. Perry has built an empire that creates opportunities for Black talent, and his success as a filmmaker and businessman is undeniable. However, as some have pointed out, having the resources to tell stories on such a grand scale comes with a responsibility to uplift more diverse voices and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

One X user put it well: “I celebrate Tyler Perry for being a successful Black man who paved a way for himself and built his own table to sit at. However, I don’t celebrate mediocrity. He panders lackluster, stereotypical content to our community for profit, and that I cannot get with.”

In the end, Tyler Perry’s legacy is a complex one. While he has undoubtedly contributed to creating more visibility for Black stories in mainstream media, it’s clear that many believe there’s room for him to push beyond the stereotypes and limited narratives that have come to define much of his work. The question remains: will he choose to evolve, or continue down the same well-worn path? Time will tell.