Tyrese Gibson, the well-known actor and singer, recently opened up about a challenging and controversial part of his childhood during an interview with King Gillie. In a candid discussion, Tyrese revealed that his mother, Priscilla Murray Gibson, had him pretend to have special needs when he was just eight years old in order to receive additional financial support from Social Security.
According to Tyrese, his mother devised the plan to help alleviate the financial strain on their family. By convincing the government that Tyrese had special needs, his mother was able to secure an extra $762 per month—a significant amount that helped the family make ends meet during tough times.
“You can’t arrest my mom, she’s gone, government,” Tyrese remarked.
Tyrese, who is now a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, recounted the story with a sense of humor, referring to the experience as his “first acting gig.” He laughed as he recalled the scheme, acknowledging the lengths his mother went to in order to support the family. “She was like my first director,” he said, reflecting on the unusual situation.
However, Tyrese’s admission has sparked mixed reactions from fans and the public. Some have criticized him for using an outdated and offensive term during the interview, expressing concern over the insensitive language. Others have shown empathy, understanding the difficult circumstances his family faced and the extreme measures his mother took to provide for her children.
The revelation has also raised questions about the potential consequences of such actions, even many years later. While Tyrese’s mother passed away in February 2022, some have wondered whether the confession could have legal implications. However, Tyrese appeared unbothered by the possibility, stating, “You can’t arrest my mom, she’s gone, government.”
Priscilla Murray Gibson’s death was a profound loss for Tyrese. She had been battling COVID-19 and pneumonia and had fallen into a coma before passing away. At the time, Tyrese expressed his deep grief, calling her death “the saddest moment of [his] life.” He shared his sorrow with his followers on Instagram, writing, “We as a family are broken and just can’t believe this……. May the lord Jesus Christ honor your walk with him and embrace you into the heavens.”
While Tyrese’s recent confession has generated controversy, it also sheds light on the lengths some families go to in order to survive financially. The story is a reminder of the challenges faced by many families, particularly those in lower-income situations, who may resort to desperate measures to make ends meet.
In the entertainment industry, Tyrese is known for his roles in blockbuster films like the Fast & Furious franchise and his successful music career. His candidness in interviews, however, often reveals a different side of the star—one that is marked by the struggles and hardships of his early life.
As the public continues to react to Tyrese’s revelation, it remains to be seen how this story will impact his public image. For now, it stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and difficulties that can shape a person’s life, even long before they reach fame and success.