Billionaire Tyler Perry Feels The Bidding Process For BET Was 'Disrespectful'

As AFROTECH mentioned, Perry set his sights on purchasing stake in the network. Paramount was reportedly in discussions to sell their majority stake, while preserving a minority share in the business. 

If approved, Perry’s ownership would extend to the network that serves as the platform for several of his shows, including “Sistas,” “The Oval,” “House of Payne,” and more.

“If that is possible. I’m very, very interested in taking as much of it as I can,” Perry told Entertainment Tonight in regards to his interest in ownership.

Byron Allen and Sean “Diddy” Combs also expressed their interest in bidding for the network. However, it was revealed that the possibility of BET returning to Black ownership had been dashed.

According to The Wall Street Journal, despite offers ranging from $2 billion to $3 billion, Paramount was no longer interested in the sale of a majority stake in BET Media Group, which consists of the BET channel, BET+, VH1, and BET Studios.

Perry, who reportedly placed a bid of $2 billion, expressed his “disappointment” in response to the developments.

“I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons,” Perry expressed during Bloomberg’s Equality Summit held at The Gathering Spot, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways.”

He added, “Don’t try to get me to pay for something that’s not worth anywhere near the value.”

Perry also “gave a firm no” when asked whether or not he would be interested in purchasing BET, if Paramount decided to place it up for grabs.

Today, the billionaire — who holds minority stake in BET+ — still maintains a work relationship with Paramount and extends his best wishes to them.

“God bless them. I’m still working with them. I wish them the best,” Perry said, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.