The city of Houston continues to find the courage and strength to rebuild following the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey. But one controversial moment that occurred in the midst of the storm involved Joel Osteen.
While thousands of Houston residents were seeking shelter, Osteen initially closed the doors to his church which can hold 17,000 people. After initial backlash on social media, Osteen decided to open his church to those in need.
However, Osteen received more bad press following his first sermon since Hurricane Harvey. “God knew that Houston could handle the hurricane,” Olsteen said during his sermon on Sept. 3. “Quit being upset by something you can handle. God is in control of the universe and what he has spoken over your life will come to pass.” But while Osteen has caught flack in recent days, Tyler Perry has continued to show support.
Perry reportedly has given $1 million to the efforts in Houston and reportedly gave $250k to Osteen’s church. He also gave $250k to Beyoncé’s church pastor and will give another $500k. Perry’s choice to give back should be praised, but some are upset that he’s giving to Osteen who many believe is only a prosperity preacher.
Here are the reactions on social media.
So Tyler Perry donates $250,000 to Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church instead of a Black charity organization in Houston. Makes No Sense!
— IG: RahiemShabazz (@rahiemshabazz) September 3, 2017
Tyler Perry donating 250k to Joel Osteen, is pretty much a spit in the face of Harvey survivors. Celebs are so out of touch…
— BlackAdam (@BlackAdam8) September 4, 2017
Tyler Perry defending Joel Osteen is beyond disgusting. Both are trash.
— Resist. (@hk_ravenclaw) September 4, 2017
If Tyler Perry is really giving Joel Osteen 250k we really need to rid ourselves of him too. That is absolutely disrespectful to the victims
— B.R.B. DuBois (@BRashadBeal) September 1, 2017
Tyler Perry donated money to Joel Osteen? Why? I mean… why? Like how come? Why? pic.twitter.com/IKdlm5oPnL
— bassey ikpi (@Basseyworld) September 1, 2017
I wonder if any of these people going so hard to talk down on Joel Osteen, Tyler Perry, etc donated any of their money to Hurricane Harvey
— BRB (@SirLito_) September 4, 2017
