Despite internet rumors earlier this summer of Tyler Perry potentially buying BET, the historic deal never went down and now Perry is speaking out about it.
During an panel discussion at Bloomberg’s Equality Summit over the weekend, Perry described the bidding process as “disrespectful” and explained that unfortunately, he’s no longer interested in acquiring the company if it should go up for sale again—despite him still owning a minority stake.
“I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons,” Perry said per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). “The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways.”
He later added, “Don’t try to get me to pay for something that’s not worth anywhere near the value. God bless them. I’m still working with them. I wish them the best.”
And the best seems to be all that Perry has left to give BET, as it was recently revealed that the billionaire has formed a new creative partnership with Netflix. Announced on Monday, this multi-year first-look deal will see Perry write, direct and produce feature films for the popular streamer.
Speaking of which, his next project will be the previously announced Six Triple Eight, starring an ensemble cast led by Kerry Washington. The forthcoming film will be centered around the inspiring true story of the the first and only Women’s Army Corp unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War 2. Additionally, Perry will also direct Mea Culpa, starring Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes, which tells the story of a criminal defense attorney who takes on the case of an artist who may or may not have murdered his girlfriend.
This new deal with Netflix accompanies the four-film deal he secured with Amazon Studios back in 2022 and the multiyear content partnership he’s still under with Viacom and BET.