Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Harassment, Gender-Based Violence in $260 Million Lawsuit
Famed filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry has been sued for sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and coercion in a $260 million lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The suit, lodged by actor Derek Dixon, accuses Perry of repeated unwanted sexual advances, abuse of power, and creating a hostile work environment on the sets of BET+ series including The Oval and Ruthless.
Dixon alleges that Perry initiated a pattern of sexually suggestive messages and inappropriate behavior beginning in 2020.
According to court documents, Perry allegedly sent messages such as “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” and invited Dixon to his Georgia home under the guise of professional meetings, where two separate incidents of sexual assault allegedly occurred.
The actor claims that Perry groped him, forcibly removed his clothes, and implied that his continued employment depended on complying with sexual demands. Dixon asserts that after he rejected the advances, his character on The Oval was killed off, amounting to retaliation for non-compliance.
Dixon further claims the alleged misconduct led to severe emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder. He resigned in 2024 after filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which later issued a right-to-sue letter.
The lawsuit names Tyler Perry and TPS Production Services, accusing them of negligent hiring, failure to prevent harassment, and maintaining a workplace hostile to male actors. Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in damages.
Perry has denied all allegations through his attorney Matthew Boyd, who described the claims as “completely false” and “a scam.”
Boyd stated that Perry would vigorously defend himself and his studio, adding that the lawsuit was a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation.
Legal proceedings are expected to enter the discovery phase, during which both parties will present evidence and testimonies. No trial date has been scheduled.
The lawsuit comes as a significant development in the entertainment industry, raising new concerns about power imbalances, gender violence, and accountability among high-profile figures.
Tyler Perry, known for his extensive work in film and television and for owning one of the largest production studios in the U.S., has built a media empire and holds a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion.
