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Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
National
Jami Ganz

Tyler Perry pledges to help 93-year-old woman fight to keep family’s Civil War-era home

NEW YORK — Tyler Perry is coming to the rescue.

Perry took to Instagram this week to advocate for an elderly South Carolina woman at risk of being pushed out of the Hilton Head home that has been in her family since the Civil War.

“I’ve pretty much been a fighter all my life,” said 93-year-old Josephine Wright in an interview with local NBC affiliate WSAV.

Perry posted a clip of the interview, writing, “Well, that makes two of us. Ms. Wright, please tell where to show up and what you need to help you fight.”

The grandmother of 40, great-grandmother of 50 and great-great-grandmother of 16, said she was originally “puzzled” by the apparent crusade against her by Bailey Point Investment Group developers, who she claims have been harassing her. The company says her porch is located on their land.

She told the outlet she declined the “unscrupulous and greedy” developers’ offer to buy part of her property, to which they are claiming ownership. They’ve since filed a lawsuit against her, for which they are seeking damages.

“I guess they figured I would become so unnerved with the harassment that I would say take (the offer),” she added. “But they don’t know me. I am here to fight for what I have.”

Wright’s cause has also been taken up by community members and has drawn the attention of other celebs aside from Perry. Stars like Meek Mill and Fantasia Barrino have also promised their support.

This is not the first time Perry has pledged his help to the elderly. In February, People reported that Perry donated $750,000 to help prevent low-income senior citizens in Atlanta at risk of being displaced. He will reportedly continue to donate roughly $500,000 each year for the next five years to the cause.

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