Tyler Perry Pleads For Bobbi Kristina's Privacy

It's been nearly six months since Bobbi Kristina Brown was found unresponsive and unconscious in the bathtub of her Atlanta home, and sadly, her condition has not improved in that time. According to recent updates, Brown remains in a medically-induced coma at a Georgia hospice care facility — and while her family has stayed by her bedside and continued to hope and pray for her recovery, good news doesn't seem to be forthcoming. Brown's status as the daughter of the late Whitney Houston has certainly contributed to the intense press interest in the 22-year-old's current condition, and conflicting reports surface on a near daily basis as speculation abounds as to her current condition. It's unfair, considering Brown and her family deserves privacy during this difficult time — which is something that one longtime friend of the Houston family is speaking out about. In a Facebook post on Friday, Tyler Perry expressed his frustration with the Bobbi Kristina Brown coverage in the press — and called for more respect to be paid not only to Brown, but to her loved ones in this difficult time.

While it's natural to be curious about the lives of public figures, Perry points out in his statement that the constant reporting leads to rumors and untruths being published: "And as difficult as this time is for the people that love both Whitney and Krissi, what makes it more egregious is the blatant disrespect, lies, and ignorance that are rapidly printed in this awful time," he wrote, adding that the rumors about Brown are damaging not only to Brown and her family, but for other families in the same position as hers. "It makes me sad to know that everybody wants to be the first to report something awful. So much so, that they find it OK to speak death onto those who are still alive. May I ask you all to please show some decency and respect?"

It's a point I have to agree with, and Perry's thoughts on the subject deserve everyone's attention.

The difficult thing for many to accept about Hollywood is that, while famous people do sign up for a particular amount of scrutiny, their celebrity status is not an all-access pass into the personal details of their lives. The Brown and Houston families are dealing with yet another tragic situation, one that must be devastating and difficult to cope with. After having lost Houston well before her time, the family is now possibly facing the same fate with her young daughter, whose life was full of possibility — this pain is not something the general public has a right to, regardless of how well-intentioned concerns might be. When Brown's family is ready to let us the public in, they'll release a statement — and until then, we need to respect their privacy.

The Brown and Houston families remain hopeful that their loved one will find the strength to get better, and while we may share the same hopes, it is not anyone's right to impose those wishes on those close to her who are grieving. Perhaps the best thing we can do for Brown and her family is to offer good thoughts from a distance, and wait for news when they are ready to offer it.