As the old familiar and often true cliché states, "No good deed goes unpunished". An unfounded report has surfaced claiming that young Bobbi K. walked off the set. Perry flatly disputes this report which was undoubtedly engineered for publicity purposes (to sell an article for some celebrity newspaper or TV show). According to Perry's latest newsletter, the show had already completed taping when the allegation was made. In fact, he declares that Bobbi K. finished her obligations and "did a great job".
The newsletter ends with this plea from Tyler Perry:
So please... PLEASE LEAVE THIS BABY ALONE!!!! AND SHE IS A BABY!!! Please stop the lies and give this child some room to breathe and grieve.
IF IT WAS YOUR CHILD WOULND’T YOU WANT THAT?
-Tyler
While I am a fan of Perry's work, I sometimes take issue with his methods. Today is one of those times. It was noble of him to write Bobbi Kristina into his show and allow her to follow her dream of having a career in acting and simultaneously give her something to focus on and keep her occupied while she grieves one of the most devastating losses a person can experience. However, you can't send the lamb to slaughter and then cry foul.
As an experienced actor, writer, director, etc., Tyler Perry has first person knowledge of the cruelty public figures endure at the hands of the media. Although his intentions were good, the plan may have been shortsighted if negative media publicity, real or fabricated, was not considered as a possible result of his efforts. Perhaps, Mr. Perry, you assumed that the underbelly of the media would exercise restraint, employ common decency, and embody simple respect with regards to Bobbi Kristina. Unfortunately, you were mistaken. Evidently, the enigmatic pull and influence of the almighty dollar proved much more important than any courtesy that could have been afforded a grieving teenager regardless of her famous pedigree.
Your efforts to assist Bobbi K. are still worthy of admiration, Tyler, but perhaps you could have inquired as to whether she would be interested in learning how the acting business works behind the scenes until she is emotionally solvent enough to handle public criticism. While your attention is focused on the false media report right now, there will be detractors in the viewership as well. People will critique her acting ability and some of their responses to her debut will be less than flattering.
This would be a good time to come to her aid before negative impact can be achieved and share some of your strategies for blocking out the negative noise, using the positive comments as fuel for the soul, and growing thick skin all while remaining grounded and true to oneself. If this has already been done, it never hurts to reinforce the lesson.
From this viewer's vantage point, Bobbi Kristina is poised for a bright future with the help of family, friends and fans. So speak up and drown out the unnecessary noise of those daring to sidetrack this young lady's destiny.
Miss Brown, there will be times when it is difficult to know who has your best interest at heart. Those are the moments that require quiet reflection, introspection, and an audience with whatever spirituality you ascribe your serenity to. Stay strong!
