https://www.11alive.com/article/news/health/tyler-perry-suicide-attemps-social-media-video-stephen-twitch-boss-dead/85-2c6f0a81-2ecb-42d5-abd6-622819119baa

Tyler Perry opens up about past suicide attempts after learning of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' death

Perry said he was shocked to learn of tWitch's death and he wanted to share his own story to help others who may be going through difficult times.

Author: Donesha Aldridge (11Alive)

Published: 11:46 PM EST December 14, 2022

Updated: 11:47 PM EST December 14, 2022

ATLANTA — Editor's note: This story contains language about death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry opened up Thursday about his own suicide attempts after hearing about the death of Stephen "tWitch" Boss. tWitch was widely known for being the longtime DJ from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." According to multiple reports, the dancer and DJ died by suicide. He was 40 years old.

"I've only met him a couple of times, but he always full of life and seemed like such a light," he said.

Perry said he tried to die by suicide a couple of times when he was in a dark place.

"I didn't think it would get any better. I had endured so much pain, so much abuse, sexual abuse. It was all so hard to just move through I thought the only way to make this better, this pain to go away is by ending my life," Perry said.

He urged anyone who is going through tough times and similar experiences to reach out to someone.

"Had any of those attempts happened, I would have missed the best part of my life," he said.

Perry also explained that what helped him push through tough times was realizing how his pain was for a greater purpose.

Not sure if he’s just sharing to help, or comms, or he’s just making it about himself.