Tyler Perry has a seat at the table as Georgia prepares for a new governor.
Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Friday, Nov. 6, that the filmmaker and studio owner is part of her transition team. At a news conference, she introduced him as "an entertainment mogul who is also a huge philanthropic part of our Georgia community and owns Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta."
Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, defeated Republican Rick Jackson on Nov. 3 and will become the first Black woman to serve as a governor in U.S. history.
Why it matters for Hollywood
Perry's studio is one of the largest production facilities in the country and a major draw for film and TV work in Georgia. His supporters online argued the pick makes sense at a time when productions have been leaving the state, according to The Root.
Others questioned the choice. Perry faces lawsuits from two actors who accuse him of sexual misconduct, including a $260 million suit filed in June 2025 by Derek Dixon, who appeared in "The Oval," Variety reported. Perry has denied the allegations.
Bottoms has not said what specific role Perry will play on the team.
