Tyler Perry Reveals Childhood Abuse

Actor Tyler Perry speaks at the 2009 Turner UpFront at the Hammerstein Ballroom on May 20, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Perry (Getty Images)more pics »Tyler Perry is known for his Madea comedies, but he's taking a serious turn by producing the new movie Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, starring Mariah Carey. Precious follows the story of an abused teenager, and Perry has come forward with his own story of abuse in light of his involvement in the film. He sent an email to fans (also posted on his website) describing the mistreatment that occured during his childhood, including his father beating him at a young age and a neighbor molesting him.

Tyler at the Precious press conference.
Perry recalls, "As my father would beat and belittle me, he played all kinds of mind games with me. He knew I loved cookies as a kid, most kids do. So he would buy them and put them on top of the fridge and when I would eat them he would beat me mercilessly."

He continued: "My mother was out one night, as she loved to play bingo, and my father came ome...mad at the world. He was drunk, as he was most of the time. He got the vacuum cleaner extension cord and trapped me in a room and beat me until the skin was coming off my back. To this day, I don't know what would make a person do something like that to a child."

Eventually Tyler left his New Orleans home and, after a period of homelessness, became the successful writer, actor and producer that he is today. In the letter, he claims he's found forgiveness and encourages others to do the same to "bring forth healing."

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