Tyler Perry Pays American Couple’s $14K Medical Bill They Received In Mexico
Tyler Perry is a hero, especially to an Atlanta couple that had a medical emergency while vacationing in Mexico and were prevented from leaving when they couldn’t pay their $14,000 bill.
According to People magazine, the movie mogul paid the couple’s medical bill in full and is also covering their travel expenses to come home.
WGCL reports that while vacationers Tori Austin and Stephen Johnson were traveling on a Carnival Dream cruise ship, Stephen got sick and was diagnosed on board with pancreatitis and diabetes.
Stephen sought treatment and was hospitalized in Progreso, Mexico, where he spent three days in intensive care, Good Morning America reported.
The $14,000 bill came soon after, and hospital workers denied the couple an opportunity for a payment plan. Tori said that staffers locked the windows to further prevent them from leaving, and they even threatened to call the police should the couple make a break for it.
“It’s been a nightmare. We just want to come home,” she told WGCL, as Johnson added, “[It’s] hell. I very much so am a hostage.”
That’s when Tyler reached out and offered to help, according to KTRK-TV, though hospital workers reportedly have yet to receive the money as of Saturday.
“Today I am thankful for and will always be thankful for Tyler Perry,” she wrote on Facebook. “My mom was also a huge fan of his.”
Hopefully, the couple makes it back safely. God bless Tyler Perry!