Perry Jokes About Carey Quitting His Film

Moviemaker Tyler Perry has taken a lighthearted approach to Mariah Carey's decision to pull out of his new film - even though her choice meant he had to cut short a vacation.

The singer's representative has claimed Carey was forced to quit the adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, less than a week before filming wasto begin, following advice from her doctors.

The announcement fuelled speculation that the star is pregnant - and itcreated a big headache for Perry.

In an online letter to fans, the filmmaker quips, "I said, 'What? You're kidding me? It's five days before she has to go to work; nobody does that. We have a deal.' "I was told that we got a call, saying that even though our deal was done, she had been advised by her doctor not to do the film.

I said, 'What? You know I want a doctor's note, don't you?" He insists that, like the rest of the world, he has no idea if the rumours about a pregnancy are true "I'm waiting...

to find out what happened". Perry has confirmed that British actress Thandie Newton will replace Carey in the film, which also stars Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Janet Jackson.

Meanwhile  Mariah Carey's Precious co-star Gabourey Sidibe isn't waiting for official confirmation about her pal's pregnancy - she's already congratulating the R&B superstar.

Carey has yet to comment about reports she's expecting - perhaps twins - but Sidibe, who shared tense scenes with the singer in Precious is already thrilled for the star.

She says, "I have faith that she will be a great mother... She's loving and nice."

And the actress understands the media fuss surrounding the pregnancy rumours. She tells UsMagazine.com, "As soon as anyone gets married, everyone's like, 'Have babies!'

"I'm like that. As soon as my friends get married, I'm like, 'When are you having babies? Have babies already!'"