Actress Thanks Tyler Perry For Publicly Rejecting Her Billboard Stunt

She wanted his attention — and she certainly got it.

Racquel Bailey has thanked Tyler Perry for his very public rejection of her very public appeal to get cast in one of his movies.

On Wednesday the director took to Instagram to beg actors to stop wasting their money after the budding actress rented a billboard which read: "ATTENTION MR PERRY. RACQUEL BAILEY IS YOUR NEXT LEADING LADY."

"Auhhh.... soooooo...... here's the deal. This is not the way to get my attention if you're looking for a role in one of my shows," Perry wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of the enormous Atlanta ad. "Please DON'T DO THIS, SAVE YOUR MONEY!!

"This is the third time that someone has done this. PLEASE STOP! To audition is FREE!! I'm sure you can use that money for a better purpose."

The Madea creator praised the actress for investing in herself, and for her desire to work with him. "But when you do things like this it puts my team on high alert and makes me look at you sideways. I know the message that you want to send is a positive one, but this comes across as the opposite."

"Again, the best way to work for me is to AUDITION and it's FREE! We post breakdowns all the time for actors. JUST COME AND AUDITION," he wrote.

He even revealed that he had already taken notice of Bailey, when she appeared in "The Night Of". "It was my favorite show a couple years ago. I ALREADY SAW YOU!! So just audition and keep your money!!"

"Again, I appreciate your effort, but that's not the way to work for me," he concluded. "God bless you dreamer. I have no doubt you will make it one day!!"

Bailey had spent ten days excitedly counting down to her big reveal on Instagram, which reportedly cost her $2,000. She even took out a second smaller billboard.

"My #LeapOfFaith," she wrote on Instagram, sharing the first photo of the billboard. "I'm just a mother wanting to show my children that I went for it all, that I chased my dreams. So one day, they'll be able to do the same."

Reaction to Perry's response was mixed. Some praised him for the gentle but firm way he dealt with it. Others blasted him for dragging her publicly, after she displayed the chutzpah that Perry himself needed to become the success story he is today.

Marlon Wayans wasn't impressed with Bailey's move, claiming "Promotion is not skill".

"Damn. You gave her that daddy speech. 'Hey hey don't do that!!!' he replied to Perry's post. "i agree. Spend your money on head shots, acting classes, resumes, sending pics out to agents etc.... audition is free and most effective. Promotion is not skill. Skill is what counts once u get the opportunity."

But others thought it had been handled incorrectly.

"Mixed feelings on this.... I 100% understand your position on this issue however I'm not sure this is the forum to address the actress. It's kind of embarrassing," one follower wrote. "You of all people know that creatives most times take a lot of risks and use their last for opportunities to pursue their dreams. Given the sacrifice she's made I would at least reach out to her and give her a coaching on how to be successful in that industry. I think it warrants that."

"That dude Perry was dead wrong for displaying the hunger you have for your dream in a negative way. That was very tacky of him. Nonetheless, I #respect your hunger to go for your dreams." another wrote.

As for Racquel herself, she appreciated Perry's response.

"Thank you Mr. Perry for taking the time to post about my billboard and to give me some wisdom," she replied to him. "This was my leap of FAITH and with faith you never know where it will land you or if it will even work. Sometimes we have to step out the norm and do something unconventional. Not everyone is going to agree or think it's a great idea. That's the chance I took! God Bless."