By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
national controversy after a video showed him correcting a congregant during a fundraising service.
Nationwide — Tyler Perry is receiving intense criticism following his decision to donate $100,000 to Bishop Marvin Winans, the Detroit pastor who went viral for admonishing a church member for not giving the full $2,000 requested during a fundraising service.
The controversy erupted after a video showed Winans, 67, calling out church member Roberta McCoy during the “Day of Giving” service at Perfecting Church. Winans had asked congregants to contribute “$1,000 plus $1,000” to support a new sanctuary project and community programs. When McCoy donated $1,235, Winans told her, “That ain’t what I asked you to do,” sparking immediate outrage across social media platforms.
The moment quickly drew nationwide attention, with many accusing Winans of humiliating McCoy publicly. Online critics blasted the interaction as an example of “church greed” and insensitivity toward working-class members.
Days later, Winans told his congregation that Perry reached out during the backlash with a generous gift. “One person called and he said, ‘Tell my name,’” Winans said during an October 26 service. “He said, ‘’Cause I know God is in this.’ Tyler Perry sent $100,000.’” (Source: Perfecting Church livestream)
While the congregation cheered the announcement, many people online were not as supportive. As reported by Atlanta Black Star, some critics argued that Perry’s donation “rewarded bad behavior,” suggesting the money should have been given to McCoy. “Maybe Tyler gave it so you would stop taking from people that really can’t afford it,” one Instagram commenter wrote. Another said, “Tyler must needed a write off for taxes.”
Winans later attempted to clarify the situation, saying his intention was not to embarrass McCoy but to keep the donation line organized. McCoy herself defended her pastor, stating, “He absolutely did not rebuke me. There was a correction, not a rebuke.” (Source: Atlanta Black Star)
Perry, 56, has a long relationship with Winans, who appeared in Perry’s 2009 film I Can Do Bad All by Myself and the sitcom House of Payne. Known for his philanthropic giving, Perry has contributed tens of millions to disaster relief, education, and community initiatives.
Still, the $100,000 donation has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether Perry’s goodwill was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the pastor’s actions.
