Tyler Perry is preparing for a major change in his personal and professional life. He announced his plans to move to Puerto Rico in early 2027 while stepping back significantly from his work in Hollywood.
The 57-year-old filmmaker and actor revealed the decision during an appearance on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, explaining that getting older had prompted him to reconsider his priorities. Perry said he wanted to slow down and spend more time with his 11-year-old son, Aman, whom he shares with model and activist Gelila Bekele.
Taking Things Slow
When asked whether he planned to slow down professionally, Perry confirmed that he did, saying he would be 'pulling back a whole lot' and moving to Puerto Rico at the beginning of 2027. He explained that he wanted to enjoy more time with his son and take stock of his life rather than maintaining the same relentless pace of work.
The announcement comes as Perry remains one of Hollywood's most prolific creators. His career spans filmmaking, television, acting and producing, with the Madea franchise becoming one of his most recognisable bodies of work. His latest project, Why Did I Get Married Again?, marks another chapter in the film series that began with Why Did I Get Married? in 2007.
Legal Controversy
However, Perry's announcement comes amid ongoing legal controversy. He is currently facing two separate lawsuits containing allegations of sexual misconduct, both of which he has denied.
Actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million (£192.8 million) lawsuit against Perry in June 2025, alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery. Perry has strongly denied Dixon's claims, with his legal team characterising the lawsuit as an attempt to obtain money from him.
A second lawsuit was filed in December 2025 by actor Mario Rodriguez, who sought $77 million (£57.1 million) and alleged that Perry subjected him to unwanted sexual advances and sexual battery. Perry has also denied Rodriguez's allegations. This has highlighted disputed evidence and messages concerning their relationship, meaning the claims remain allegations rather than established findings of wrongdoing.
Dedicating Time to His Son
Perry has not said that the lawsuits are the reason for his decision to move to Puerto Rico. In his television interview, he attributed the change primarily to getting older and wanting to devote more time to his son and personal life.
His decision appears to represent a broader reassessment of his priorities rather than an announced retirement. Perry has not said that he is abandoning entertainment altogether. Instead, his comments suggest that he intends to reduce his workload while continuing to pursue selected projects.
The Puerto Rico move could mark a new phase for one of Hollywood's most commercially successful independent creators. After years of maintaining an unusually demanding production schedule, Perry appears ready to put family and personal time higher on his list of priorities.
For now, his legal battles remain separate from that decision. The sexual-misconduct allegations have not been proven in court, and Perry continues to deny them, while his stated reason for slowing down is his desire to spend more time with his son as he enters a different stage of his life.
