After a lengthy legal battle, the family of a 94-year-old South Carolina woman who was promised a home by Tyler Perry is retaining the land

Two months after her death, a settlement was reached for a South Carolina woman over her late husband’s ancestral land on Hilton Head Island as part of a year-long legal battle over a housing developer’s attempts to construct a subdivision around Josephine Wright’s estate.

As South Carolina Public Radio reported, the settlement confirms the Wright family owns the property situated in the middle of the Bailey Point Investment development district. Wright, a steadfast defender of her family’s land on Hilton Head Island, died in early January. She was 94 years old.

On March 14, South Carolina Public Radio reported that a family spokesman had provided some details of the settlement. Under the terms, Bailey Point must stop communication with the family regarding the Hilton Head property, the station reports. In addition, they’re required to repair Wright’s roof, install a privacy fence and supply landscaping services.

“The family is grateful to be settled,” Altimese Nichole said in a statement. “They are focused on keeping Mrs. Josephine Wright’s legacy alive.”

The dispute, which began in February 2023, centered on Bailey Point encroaching on Wright’s beloved property with plans to construct a large housing development. Despite intimidation and harassment from a housing developer, Wright fought to maintain her family’s land. She even reportedly rejected the company’s initial offer of $39,000 to purchase her land.

Wright’s story gained national attention, with stars comparable to Tyler Perry, who promised Wright to construct a recent home on the property, and Snoop Dogg and Kyrie Irving, who donated $10,000 and $40,000, respectively.

The GoFundMe fundraising for Wright has surpassed $350,000. The Wright family established the Josephine Wright Foundation to support land conservation and education.

Meanwhile, Bailey Point filed a lawsuit against Wright in 2023, alleging that three items belonging to a Hilton Head Island resident encroached on the developer’s land, obstructing the planned construction of 147 homes. These items included a satellite dish, a shed and the corner of a screened porch.

According to news reports, Bailey Point Investment accused Wright of “significantly delaying and impeding” the planned 29-acre development at the expense of the company’s money and time.

The lawsuit also alleged that Wright “doggedly pursued the lawsuit” and sought compensation for current and future damages caused by the trespass.

Wright’s attorney, Roberts Vaux, argued that Bailey Point began a “consistent and ongoing series of intimidation tactics,” including the lawsuit against Wright.

Wright’s granddaughter said the group committed other acts of intimidation, including flattening automotive tires and placing a venomous snake near a bedroom window. After Wright’s death, Perry wrote on social media that his desire to provide Wright her recent home had been thwarted.

“I’m devastated to listen to of the death of this warrior. Mrs. Josephine Wright, although we spoke by phone, I was looking forward to meeting you in person next month to provide you the keys to your recent house, but God had other plans,” the billionaire filmmaker wrote on his Instagram.

“I pray that you rest in peace, knowing that I will honor the commitment I have made to you,” he added. “I know you will watch over all of us as I hand these same keys over to your family.”

Perry continued, “So your four children, 40 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren will still be able to gather in YOUR home on YOUR land and tell the world what a warrior you were. You ran your race and put up an incredible fight! I wish you a good journey, my dear lady. You inspired me.”