Entertainment

Tyler Perry Sued For $260M Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Published JUN 18 2025

Story

Above: Tyler Perry at the 2025 BET Awards on June 9 in Los Angeles. Image credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

The Facts

Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and workplace retaliation spanning multiple years while working on Perry's television shows "The Oval" and "Ruthless."
The Hollywood Reporter
guardian
Deadline
Dixon claims Perry first approached him at a 2019 studio opening party, offered him acting roles, and subsequently created what the lawsuit describes as "a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" through promises of career advancement.
People
TMZ
The lawsuit alleges multiple incidents of sexual assault, including claims that Perry climbed into Dixon's bed uninvited at his Georgia home in January 2020 and groped him, with Dixon stating he rejected the advances but feared career retaliation.
NBC
The Washington Post
The complaint includes screenshots of alleged text messages between Perry and Dixon, with sexually suggestive content purportedly from Perry, including messages asking about sexual preferences and making explicit advances that Dixon reportedly attempted to rebuff.
guardian
Fox 59
Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2024 before quitting "The Oval" during its final season, claiming he lost approximately $400,000 in compensation due to leaving the show early to escape the alleged harassment.
The Washington Post
The Hollywood Reporter
Fox 59
Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, denied all allegations, calling the lawsuit "a scam" and stating, "Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail," characterizing Dixon as someone who got close to Perry for fraudulent purposes.
Breitbart
New York Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This lawsuit is another attempt to exploit a successful Black entertainer through false accusations designed to extract money. Perry built his empire through hard work and has provided opportunities for countless actors, including Dixon, who received roles and career advancement. The timing and astronomical financial demands suggest this is nothing more than an opportunistic shakedown attempt.

Deadline

Narrative B

Perry's pattern of alleged behavior mirrors other influential entertainment figures who have used their influence to exploit vulnerable actors seeking career opportunities. The detailed allegations, supporting text messages, and Dixon's willingness to sacrifice significant income by leaving the show demonstrate the credibility of these serious accusations.

TMZ