Keisha Lance Bottoms appoints Tyler Perry to Georgia transition team

Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, the first Black woman to hold the office in U.S. history, has appointed media mogul Tyler Perry to her transition team, titled ‘Georgia’s Promise’. Perry joins a leadership group that includes Arthur Blank, Roz Brewer, and Jason Carter, with honorary co-chairs including Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and Andrew Young.

Bottoms cited Perry’s philanthropic contributions and the significant economic impact of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta as reasons for his inclusion. The transition team aims to prepare the administration for its January inauguration, focusing on healthcare, education, and the cost of living.

The appointment has drawn mixed reactions. While some supporters praised the move, others expressed concern regarding Perry’s involvement due to pending legal matters. Two actors, Derek Dixon and Mario Rodriguez, have filed lawsuits accusing Perry of coercion and retaliation, seeking combined damages of over $330 million. Perry has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.