What to Know About Tyler Perry’s $260 Million Lawsuit

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On June 13, actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, known for creating the popular ‘Madea’ franchise, shows like ‘Duplicity’ and ‘Sistas’, and numerous Netflix originals, faced a $260 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. The lawsuit was filed by actor Derek Dixon, who initially met Perry at the opening event for Tyler Perry Studios. According to the lawsuit, Perry persuaded Dixon to try acting, offering him roles in ‘Ruthless’ and later ‘The Oval’. Dixon accepted these offers but claims that during his employment, Perry made unwanted sexual advances towards him, including groping, which he did not reciprocate. This reportedly led to retaliation from Perry, as stated in the complaint. Perry, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, has denied the allegations through his attorney, stating that he allowed someone close to him but now considers the relationship as nothing more than a scam setup.

What does the full lawsuit claim?

As a dedicated fan of the silver screen, I find myself sharing a heavy burden these days. A man named Dixon, who’s made quite an impression on Perry’s show “The Oval,” has filed a lawsuit in LA this month. The suit alleges sexual and work harassment, sexual battery, assault, and other claims, with a staggering demand for $260 million in damages.

Dixon claims that Perry took notice of him at a studio party back in September 2019. When he expressed his aspiration to act, Perry offered encouragement and eventually cast him in not one, but two shows: “The Oval” on BET and the spinoff “Ruthless” on BET+. In these roles, Dixon portrayed a gay, homeless, and desperate store clerk who was forced into intimate situations with another character for shelter.

According to Dixon, when he was working for Perry, Perry abused his power in the entertainment industry to establish a manipulative, sexually exploitative environment. Dixon states that what initially seemed like offers for career progression and creative roles, such as producing a pilot and casting him in a show, turned into instances of sexual harassment, assault, battery, and professional reprisals when Dixon did not return Perry’s unwanted advances. Additionally, Dixon is taking legal action against Tyler Perry Studios Production Services.

What are some of the allegations made by Dixon?

According to Dixon’s account, there was an instance when he was advised to spend the night at Perry’s house due to being overly intoxicated. Without pajamas, he slept in his undergarments. That night, Dixon claims that Perry secretly crept into his bed and began rubbing his body against Dixon’s inner thigh. Dixon asserts that he promptly jumped out of bed, told Perry he wasn’t interested sexually, and alleges that Perry then asked him to turn around so he could view Dixon naked in his underwear.

At Perry’s residence on another occasion, Dixon asserts that Perry suggested they try a body weight monitor in the guest room, but it required him to disrobe for proper functioning. After Dixon had taken off his clothes, he alleges that Perry lowered his underwear and inappropriately touched his lower back while saying “relax” and “just let it happen,” as stated in the complaint. Dixon states that he managed to put a stop to the situation by telling Perry he couldn’t engage in any sexual activity because he was feeling hungry. When Perry went out to order food, Dixon claims he locked himself in the bathroom.

In my critique as a film industry insider, I’ve come forth with accusations against a certain colleague, Perry, who persistently discussed intimate topics with me and inquired about my personal preferences regarding such matters. The allegation is that I was subjected to this unwanted attention while laboring under the looming threat of losing my position if I did not comply with and tolerate Perry’s alleged sexual misconduct, as outlined in the complaint filed against him.

What did Perry say in text messages included in the lawsuit?

As a movie buff putting things into my own words,

In a conversation that’s been reported, Perry apparently asked me, “What’s it going to take for you to have guilt-free sex? Have you figured that out in therapy yet?” When I told him I wasn’t interested in sex, he allegedly replied, “I truly hope someone would hold you and make love to you. You’re missing the best years of your life, my friend. Believe me. I hope you can overcome the mental block soon.” Additionally, according to the complaint, Perry also texted, “I haven’t been physically touched in months,” as stated by Dixon in his legal filing.

What was Perry’s response to all these claims?

Matthew Boyd, acting on Perry’s behalf, issued a statement indicating that while Perry and Dixon were once close, it seems their relationship might have been nothing more than a scheme to deceive. Boyd added that Perry is determined not to be intimidated and remains confident that the alleged harassment claims against him are false and will ultimately be dismissed.

Has Dixon said anything since the lawsuit was filed?

I can only speculate that Perry’s lawyer didn’t take the time to read the text messages from Tyler Perry before making those comments. Making hasty remarks without examining the evidence could inadvertently facilitate more instances of sexual harassment.

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2025-06-20 20:54