Billionaire Tyler Perry Comes To Aid Of 93-Year-Old Woman In Property Battle With Developers Over Ancestral Home

Jul 06, 2023

Tyler Perry, the renowned film producer and studio owner, has pledged his support for Josephine Wright, a 93-year-old grandmother who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with property developers seeking to force her out of her ancestral home.

Wright's bungalow, which has been in her family since the Civil War, sits on land that Bailey Point Investment is developing. The company filed a lawsuit against her, claiming that parts of her property encroach on their land. Upon hearing about Wright's problems, Perry expressed his sentiments on social media to show solidarity with Wright. 

The Wright family has resided in their home for generations, and the property holds significant sentimental value to the 93-year-old woman. As the wife of a Gullah Geechee Islander, whose ancestors were enslaved on the rice, indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations, she cherishes her connection to the past and considers her home a symbol of her heritage, per WSAV. The land was passed down from escaped slaves who were freed by Union soldiers after the Civil War. 

Perry, from New Orleans, Louisiana, didn't come from a rich background but he persevered by writing and creating stage productions that centered on African-American families. He also produced a number of movies, including the blockbuster film "Madea's Family Reunion," which hit $30 million at the box office in 2006. Madea became a film series, spawning eight installments. 

In 2012, Perry struck a partnership with Oprah Winfrey to produce scripted TV programs. His work also brought him to ViacomCBS and several book dealerships. In 2020, Forbes named Perry as one of Hollywood's most lucrative talent with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.  

Perry's involvement in Wright's case is not surprising, given his reputation for philanthropy and generosity. The billionaire is known for his annual Thanksgiving food giveaways, his support for organizations affected by crime, and his efforts to uplift individuals and communities in need. 

"'I’ve pretty much been a fighter all my life' said 93-year-old Josephine Wright," Perry wrote when he raised awareness for the elderly woman's plight on his Instagram on June 29, 2023.  "Well, that makes two of us. Ms. Wright, please tell (me) where to show up and what you need to help you fight."  

Bailey Point Investment intends to construct a 147-unit development spanning 29 acres surrounding Wright's property. Initially, they approached her with an offer to purchase her land, but she refused. 

Subsequently, she claims to have experienced a campaign of harassment, including slashed tires, trash thrown on her property, and even a snake hanging from one of her windows. In response, Bailey Point has accused Wright of obstructing their construction progress and filed a lawsuit alleging that her porch extends onto their land. 

Wright has already incurred expenses, having paid approximately $1,900 to move a shed and remove a satellite dish in an effort to comply with the developer's demands. However, she remains resolute in her determination to fight for her home. 

Former State Representative Bakari Sellers, now part of Wright's legal team, has joined the cause, calling upon concerned citizens to contact the developer and lawmakers to support Wright's cause. A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to help her cover the legal costs associated with the lawsuit. As of press time, the fundraiser reached over $161,918 in donations from over 90 people. 

With influential figures like Tyler Perry stepping up to defend the rights of individuals against powerful developers, the case of Josephine Wright has garnered significant attention and support. What can you say about Perry’s move to help the elderly woman? Do you know someone who’s a fan of Perry? Pass this story along and let them know about it!