Tyler Perry contributes $100,000 to legal defense fund of Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend

Walker talked about protests in Breonna Taylor’s name, and how his life has changed since her death. Louisville Courier Journal

A fundraiser for the legal defense of Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, received a significant contribution Sunday afternoon: $100,000 from actor and producer Tyler Perry.

The funds will go toward Walker’s defense against a lawsuit by Louisville Metro Police Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, who was shot in the leg by Walker during the March 13 police search at Taylor’s apartment before the 26-year-old Black woman was shot and killed by police. Mattingly filed a counterclaim against Taylor’s boyfriend in October alleging battery, assault and emotional distress. 

Mattingly is seeking a jury trial, damages and attorney fees.

Walker’s attorney, Steve Romines, said he got a call from Perry on Sunday afternoon after the famous entertainer donated to the GoFundMe set up for Walker.

“He saw that Kenny had been sued, and he felt like that was a miscarriage of justice,” Romines said.

Tyler Perry

 (Photo: Amy Sussman, Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)

Mattingly’s counterclaim is a response to Walker’s lawsuit filed over the summer against several LMPD officers, Mayor Greg Fischer, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine and others.

The GoFundMe, which was created last month, had raised $600 of its $100,000 goal before Perry’s contribution. 

After hearing from Perry, Romines called Walker, who he said was thankful for the generosity.

“Generally, when somebody gets sued, an insurance company provides the defense, or in Mattingly’s case, the city provides the defense,” Romines said. “Kenny was going to have to pay for his defense out of his own pocket.”

Reach Emma Austin at eaustin@gannett.com or on Twitter at @emmacaustin.

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