Who is Tyler Perry's girlfriend Gelila Bekele? Media mogul hit with 'midlife crisis' after split from activist
Is Tyler Perry alright? The Madea creator revealed to his followers on Instagram that he's going through a "midlife crisis". He said he would be spending the holidays as a “single man”. However, the post doesn’t come across as a surprise following his breakup with longtime girlfriend Gelila Bekele.
A source close to the former couple told People that Perry and Bekele “amicably split some time ago and remain close friends" and that their “focus is on being the best parents they can for their son".
Perry wrote in his post, “This is what a midlife crisis looks like. I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like. Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be, hold my head up high, and try to look my best doing it!!”
Who is Gelila Bekele and how did Tyler Perry meet her?
Bekele is a model, social activist and documentary filmmaker who was born in Ethiopia. She and Perry started dating in 2007 after meeting at a Prince concert.
According to her official website, Bekele shuttles between Europe and the United States for her work. She began her career as a model in 2006 with Ford Models in New York and Paris. Gelila has been a part of several fashion and beauty campaigns including Levi’s, Diesel, Tory Burch, Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Mikimoto, H&M, Pinko, Nespresso, Pantene and L’oreal, among others.
Even though Bekele has established herself in the glamour world, she has been an ardent activist for the rights of women and children. According to her website, she is “a devoted advocate for young girls’ right to equal opportunities in her homeland of Ethiopia, as well as globally."
Furthermore, she produced the documentary 'Anbessa' in 2019, which debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival. Gelia has directed 'Mai: Life is not Honey' and 'the Model Activists'. She also authored her debut book 'Guzo' in 2018, which followed a day in the life of six tribes in Ethiopia.
Who is Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele's son?
After five years into their relationship, Bekele and Perry welcomed their first child in November 2014. The media mogul said in an interview that his son Aman brings him the "most joy in his life". "Even the things that are driving me crazy. I love once he goes to sleep, because he’s just at that age where he’s very curious about everything.” Perry also noted that his son looks "just like him" and he feels as if he's looking at himself in younger pictures.
Fans extend their support to Tyler Perry
Even though Perry expressed concerns about living a single life, he ended his Instagram post on a positive note as he wrote, "In a world with so much sadness, please try and stay in the good! Merry Christmas and let’s look forward to 2021 bringing us peace!"
Soon, fans showered the post with comments, extending their love and support to Perry. One commented, "Your next chapter is Mount Rushmore and Your next journey is to inspire those that are in route to become the next current you! You have accomplished so much and u are still hungry. Thats the GOD in You!" and another added, "You achieved so much you are a role model keep moving forward never give up you give us hope."