Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is once again putting his money where his faith is — this time donating $100,000 to Bishop Marvin Winans’ Perfecting Church in Detroit, following a viral fundraising controversy that’s been making waves across social media.
The generous gift was revealed by Bishop Winans during Sunday service, days after video footage surfaced showing him publicly correcting a congregant who didn’t meet a requested donation amount during a “Day of Giving” event.
The Viral Moment
In the now-viral clip, Winans is seen interrupting a church member, Roberta McCoy, who said she was giving $1,235, telling her that wasn’t the amount he asked for. “That’s not what I asked you to do,” Winans said from the pulpit, sparking an intense online debate about church giving practices and the pressure some members feel to contribute specific amounts.
The incident drew swift backlash online, with critics accusing the longtime gospel singer and pastor of “donation-shaming.” Others defended Winans, saying his remarks were taken out of context.
Enter Tyler Perry
Shortly after the controversy exploded, Perry reportedly reached out privately to the pastor — and soon after, a $100,000 donation from the Madea creator was on its way to Perfecting Church.
Winans announced the gift during his next sermon, describing it as divine timing. “What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good,” he told the congregation.
The two men share a longstanding friendship and creative history — Winans appeared in Perry’s 2009 film I Can Do Bad All By Myself and later in his sitcom House of Payne. Perry, known for his faith-driven philanthropy, has donated millions over the years to churches, families in need, and community projects.
Public Reaction
While many praised Perry’s generosity and loyalty, others questioned the optics. Some social media users argued the donation sent the wrong message in light of the recent controversy.
“I would’ve respected it more if he gave that $100K to the woman who was embarrassed,” one commenter wrote.
Others applauded Perry for supporting a friend in need, pointing out his consistent track record of helping faith communities.
The Bigger Picture
Perfecting Church, founded by Winans in 1990, has long been one of Detroit’s most influential ministries. But the viral video reignited discussions around prosperity preaching and how churches handle public fundraising appeals.
As of now, neither Perry nor the church has publicly detailed how the donation will be used, but Winans hinted it would go toward church development and outreach programs.
Bottom line: Tyler Perry’s six-figure show of support has once again positioned him at the center of a viral faith-and-fame moment — part philanthropy, part controversy. Whether it smooths things over or sparks new debate, one thing’s for sure: Perry continues to play by his own rules when it comes to giving back.
