Tyler Perry, the acclaimed U.S. actor, producer, and media mogul, is facing a $260 million lawsuit over allegations of assault and workplace gender-based misconduct. The civil suit, filed in Los Angeles, was brought by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s television series The Oval and Ruthless.
According to TMZ, Dixon alleges that Perry used his position of authority to engage in ongoing inappropriate behavior, including harassment and abuse, during their professional relationship.
Dixon claims the two met in 2019, with Perry initially offering to support his acting career. Instead, the lawsuit alleges, Perry engaged in a pattern of “escalating harassment, assault, and battery.” The actor further claims Perry had direct control over his employment, pay, and professional opportunities—and used that control inappropriately.
The first incident allegedly occurred in January 2020 when Perry invited Dixon to his home in Atlanta. Dixon claims he had consumed alcohol and fell asleep in a guest room, where Perry later entered and touched him inappropriately while he slept. Dixon states that he declined the interaction, but alleges similar incidents followed in subsequent years.
The most serious alleged event took place in June 2021, also at Perry’s residence. Dixon claims that while he was in a guest room, Perry entered and initiated an unwelcome physical interaction under the pretense of saying goodnight. The lawsuit claims that Perry made inappropriate physical contact and acted in a way that made Dixon feel unsafe and violated.
“On multiple occasions, Mr. Perry acted in a physically aggressive and inappropriate manner toward Mr. Dixon,” the complaint reads, including one instance where Perry allegedly removed Dixon’s clothing and touched him without permission.
Perry’s legal team has firmly denied all accusations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, described the lawsuit as a baseless attempt to exploit Perry’s public profile.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd said. “Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims will not hold up in court.”
As of now, Perry has not personally commented on the lawsuit. A court date has not yet been set.
