​The recent passing of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone has not only elicited mourning but also ignited conversations about the treatment of Black artists in the entertainment industry. Central to this discourse is the exchange between filmmaker Tyler Perry and comedian-actress Mo’Nique, highlighting longstanding grievances and calls for accountability within Hollywood.
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Tyler Perry’s Eulogy for Angie Stone

On March 14, 2025, at the Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell, Georgia, Tyler Perry delivered a poignant eulogy for Angie Stone. Expressing frustration over the music industry’s exploitation of artists like Stone, Perry remarked

“I’m angry at the way she was treated… All of those years, all of those songs, all of that money that was owed to her. Where is it? It’s wrong.”

Perry highlighted the systemic issues that compel artists to perform out of necessity rather than passion, emphasizing the injustice of their financial struggles despite significant contributions to the industry.​

Mo’Nique’s Response: A Call for Accountability

Mo’Nique, known for her candidness regarding industry injustices, responded to Perry’s eulogy by addressing perceived contradictions in his statements. In an open letter posted on Instagram, she expressed condolences for Stone’s family and friends before directing her message to Perry:​

“Dear @tylerperry, I recently watched your heartfelt speech at Angie Stone’s funeral, where you expressed frustration over her mistreatment by the music industry… It struck me, and my husband Sidney, as poignant, but also made us reflect on some unsettling discrepancies in your actions towards me.” ​

Mo’Nique questioned how Perry could denounce the exploitation of artists while allegedly contributing to similar issues. She referenced being labeled “difficult to work with” by Perry, despite never having collaborated directly, and highlighted his request for her to promote the film “Precious” without compensation. These actions, she argued, perpetuated a false narrative that harmed her career and financial standing.​

Historical Context: Mo’Nique and Tyler Perry

The tension between Mo’Nique and Perry is not new. In 2017, during a comedy show, Mo’Nique publicly criticized Perry, along with Lee Daniels and Oprah Winfrey, accusing them of blackballing her in the industry.

She alleged that her refusal to participate in unpaid promotional activities for “Precious” led to her being ostracized. In 2020, Mo’Nique demanded a public apology from Perry, asserting that he privately admitted wrongdoing but had not addressed it publicly.

While she reconciled with Daniels in 2022, her grievances with Perry remained unresolved.

Industry Reactions and Public Discourse

The exchange between Perry and Mo’Nique has sparked widespread discussion about accountability and fairness in the entertainment industry. Supporters of Mo’Nique commend her courage in addressing these issues, emphasizing the importance of holding influential figures accountable for their actions.

Conversely, some question the timing and platform of her response, suggesting that addressing such grievances in the context of a funeral eulogy may be inappropriate.​

This discourse underscores broader concerns about the systemic mistreatment of Black artists, the exploitation they face, and the necessity for equitable treatment and recognition.​

The dialogue between Tyler Perry and Mo’Nique, set against the backdrop of Angie Stone’s passing, brings to light critical issues within the entertainment industry regarding the treatment of Black artists.

While Perry’s eulogy highlighted the injustices faced by artists like Stone, Mo’Nique’s response serves as a poignant reminder that advocacy for change must be accompanied by personal accountability.

This ongoing conversation emphasizes the need for systemic reform to ensure that artists receive the respect, compensation, and opportunities they rightfully deserve.