Tyler Perry splits from longtime girlfriend Gelila Bekele
Tyler Perry has confirmed that he and longtime girlfriend Gelila Bekele have split. The notoriously private couple share a son together, and according to a source close to the pair they are keeping their focus on being good co-parents. On December 17, Perry shared a picture on Instagram showing the actor, producer, writer and studio head looking fit at 51. “This is what a midlife crisis looks like,” wrote Perry. “I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like.”
The actor did not elaborate on how long he and Bekele have been separated, but did share that he is focused on keeping a positive outlook amidst a year that has brought so much pain and suffering. “Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be, hold my head up high, and try to look my best doing it!! In a world with so much sadness, please try and stay in the good! Merry Christmas and let’s look forward to 2021 bringing us peace!”
According to People, Perry and Bekele separated months ago but have remained close friends who are committed to co-parenting. The exes welcomed their son Aman Tyler back in 2014. Perry and Bekele, a 34-year-old model and activists, reportedly met in 2007 at a Prince concert. Perry and Bekele rarely appeared together on the red carpet or on Perry’s social media during their 13 years together. The couple also made a concerted effort to keep their six-year-old son out of the public eye. In a 2016 appearance on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Perry said he and Bekele had no intention of sharing pictures of their son anytime soon. “I know there are no pictures of him, but that’s not something we do,” said Perry via Essence.
“We’re not the kind of parents — my son’s not famous. We’re trying very hard to keep him protected so that he can know who he is before he gets into the crazy bull crap of this social media world.” Perry’s latest post has received plenty of support from some of his famous friends, including Mario Lopez, Eva Marcille, Tabria Majors and Megan Goode, who wrote “Somehow this picture of midlife crisis is really inspiring. You look great my brother, thank you for the love and light you always share with others.”
The billionaire media mogul, who opened The Tyler Perry Studios in his hometown of Atlanta in 2015, likely won’t be single for long. No surprise, the Vice and Gone Girl star has already had plenty of offers from fans who are interested in being the next Mrs. Perry. “God sent me to tell you I’m your wife,” wrote one fan, while another added “And all I read was SINGLE!” Not only is Perry known for his successful Madea films and his projects as a producer, including The Haves and the Have Nots, he’s also become famous for his philanthropic endeavors.
Earlier this year, Perry made headlines when he paid for the grocery bills of customers at stores in Atlanta and New Orleans. In November, Perry opened up the Tyler Perry Studios to provide food to 5,000 families, handing out the goods in a drive-thru set up that was compliant with COVID safety protocols.
In June, Perry offered to cover the funeral expenses and pay for Rayshard Brooks’ four children to go to college. A fellow Atlanta native, 27-year-old Brooks was shot and killed by police after a sobriety test was administered and Brooks struggled with the two officers at the scene. Brooks’ death was labelled a homicide and led to days of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Earlier this month, Perry donated $100,000 to the legal defense fund of Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor. Walker is being sued by one of the three Louisville police officers who shot and killed Taylor while she was asleep in the couple’s apartment. Jonathan Mattingly, the one officer who was hit by a bullet that was possibly fired from Walker’s gun, launched a lawsuit against Walker in October, claiming assault, battery and emotional distress.
