Netflix’s new release ‘Straw‘ may be new, but the conversation isn’t. Tyler Perry is once again facing critics who say his films rely too heavily on portraying struggling black women.

But this isn’t the first time the straw producer has addressed criticism for his films.

After releasing “Divorce in the black” in July 2024, Perry’s critics voiced their opinions on social media and stated that his movies always have the same ‘black women in distress’ storylines.

Tyler Perry responded to critics on “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” calling them “highbrow negroes” and suggesting they don’t understand the needs of his audience. He also emphasized that his films are directed towards a demographic that feels underserved by other filmmakers and that his work provides a platform for their stories to be told.

Tyler Perry Defends New Film ‘Straw’ Amid Ongoing Criticism

In the ‘Straw” film, Taraji P. Henson portrays a single mother whose life spirals through a series of unfortunate events, pushing her onto an unforeseen path. She finds herself drawn into a situation she never envisioned, becoming the focal point of suspicion in an indifferent world.

In a recent interview with True Love Magazine, Tyler Perry defends his latest film stating,

“I say nothing to the people who believe my films focus on the struggle against black women because they’re right, it does.

He continued saying,

“If I get an opportunity to deliver a black woman on screen for people to see them in love, and happy and joy and pain, struggle, happy, joy, pain, and struggle…what I’m doing is a service to all people. So that people will know that all black women are not just strong and one thing. They are all things, and they go through all of these different things.”

Tyler Perry’s storytelling is inspired by the women in his family, and his films pay homage to them.

Do you think Perry’s films give voice to real-life challenges or rely too much on trauma? Drop your thoughts below