Tyler Perry can't believe Hollywood is making such a fuss about his decision to cast Keshia Knight Pulliam as a prostitute in his new movie - because it's been over two decades since the actress played Bill Cosby's cute kid on The Cosby Show.
Perry cast Pulliam as his hooker in Madea Goes To Jail because he thought it would be a good idea to toy with her image as TV's sweetheart, and he cannot believe critics and gossips are making such a big deal of the idea.
He says, "If you look at that woman and you see Rudy Huxtable, you're a pervert.
"She is a woman and she needed an opportunity to break away from Rudy because people won't give her a break, because they think, 'Rudy, Rudy, Rudy'.
"So I'm like, 'How far can I take you away from Rudy? Hooker - let's do it.'"
But Perry fears he may have upset Pulliam's former TV dad, Bill Cosby, over the casting.
He adds, "I'm waiting for that phone call."
Meanwhile the actor/director is helping to keep teenagers off the streets - he has made a generous donation to a youth homeless shelter in Atlanta, Georgia.
The star, who experienced homelessness and hunger as a struggling wannabe, handed over $110,000 (£77,465) to organisers at Covenant House Georgia to contribute to operating and renovation costs.
Perry has also bought a brand new 15-seat van for the charity - and Covenant House president Kevin Ryan is overwhelmed by his kind gesture.
Ryan says, "God bless Mr. Perry for this incredible gift to our kids.
"The van will be used to rescue young people from the hopelessness of the street. His generous donation will provide immediate help to kids in crisis as well as the long-term support that will transform their lives."
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