Keke Palmer Defends Tyler Perry Amid Backlash Over “Similar” Films, Says He’s “Not The Enemy”

Keke Palmer has doubled down on her defense of Tyler Perry and his films following his appearance on her Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast. 

Palmer’s remarks come after the seasoned movie producer and writer said on her show, “A large portion of my fans are disenfranchised, who cannot get in the Volvo and go to therapy on the weekend. You’ve got this highbrow negro who is all up in the air with his nose up looking at everything.”

Perry added, “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.” 

Keke Palmer took to X on Wednesday (July 24) to defend him after he received even more backlash.

“The enemy isn’t Tyler it’s the system that makes it hard for multiple black artist to shine at one time,” she wrote. “Tyler is not the gatekeeper of all black stories he’s just one creative who broke through the system. Advocating for others to do the same is the fight, not hating Tyler for his work that many do love.” 

Palmer also responded to a critic who said that the 54-year-old needs to hire more writers, to which the Nope actress fired back, that she believes Perry has “found a way to work in the system” as well as, “employed a lot of black people, including writers.”  

“Not just in front of the camera but behind. His set was the first set I ever saw a black crew, so that gets my respect,” she added. “You don’t have to love his movies though, I just don’t blame his movies for oppression.” 

Another person also gave the take that people give Perry “grace” as an “excuse to stay stagnant” and not “grow” as a film maker. They added, “Grace should be used as a learning opportunity to grow; which in this case nothing about Tyler’s artistry has grown. The critiques about his work has been same 4 yrs.”

Palmer responded, “I think it’s less about changing Tyler and more about uplifting and popularizing other work that we love. There is Issa Rae, Tracy Oliver, Justin Simien, Jordan Peele, Jeremy O’Harris, Janicza Bravo, Nia DaCosta etc.”

She added, “He’s not the only black creator creating and they all deserve the right to share their perspective.”

Take a look at Palmer defending Perry and his sentiments as well above.