Veteran Hollywood filmmaker and businessman Tyler Perry recently made headlines after a kind gesture at a U.S. airport turned into an unexpected controversy.

The incident happened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where security workers were struggling during a partial U.S. government shutdown.

At the time, some federal employees including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were working without pay, making it difficult to afford basics like rent, food, and family needs.

After learning about their situation, Perry who is based in Atlanta went to the airport intending to give cash directly to the workers.

However, authorities stopped him, citing strict ethics rules that bar government employees from accepting money while on duty.

Determined to help, Perry found another way.

He arranged for about 250 workers to receive $1,000 (approximately KSh 130,000) gift cards each amounting to roughly $250,000 (about KSh 32.5 million) to help them cope until salaries resumed.

At first, the gesture was warmly received, with many workers expressing relief and gratitude. But the situation quickly changed when federal officials raised concerns, saying the gift cards exceeded the allowed value of gifts public servants can accept.

Workers were reportedly asked to return the gift cards even those who had already used part of the money sparking public outrage.

Many questioned why struggling workers should be forced to give back support offered in good faith, while others argued that regulations must still be followed.

Despite the backlash, Perry has not publicly criticised the decision.