In the midst of opening his new sprawling studio in Atlanta, Tyler Perry explained why he can’t “just up and leave” filming in Georgia after Governor Brian Kemp signed the “fetal heartbeat” abortion law.
Perry told The Associated Press that his business, plus his personal dreams, are what is keeping him in the Peach State.
“Atlanta has been the dream. It has been the promised land. So when I got here, this whole state and city has been amazing to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” he said. “Also, I put $250 million in the ground here and in the studio. So when you have a quarter of a billion dollars sat down in the ground, you can’t just up and leave.”
While Perry might not be leaving, that doesn’t mean he’s not willing to look at the political tea leaves and consider how the film industry could affect Kemp’s governorship in the future. For instance, Kemp’s 2022 re-election campaign could be severely affected.
“What I know about this industry is that there are 94,000-plus or 98,000 people who are in this industry and who are benefiting from it greatly, and that’s a lot of votes. I’m in a wait and see moment right now. But that’s a lot of votes. That’s a lot of votes that can determine an election.”
Kemp’s re-election prospects could be cut short by the number of people who view his stance on abortion as a hindrance to their work. His time in office could also be affected by the number of film stars and studios that have either pulled out of Georgia or are giving the funds they accrue to nonprofits that support women’s rights.
READ MORE:
Four Production Companies Will Not Film In Georgia Anymore Due To New Abortion Law
Over 60 Actors Threaten To Take Hollywood Money Out Of Georgia Over Controversial Abortion Bill
Stacey Abrams Wants Hollywood To End #BoycottGeorgia Movement
Photo: Getty Images
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