TYLER PERRY FACES SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT FROM FORMER EMPLOYEE DEREK DIXON
Famed media mogul Tyler Perry is at the center of a serious legal controversy, as a former employee has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and workplace gender-based violence.
The civil suit, filed in Los Angeles last week and first reported Tuesday, was brought by actor Derek Dixon, who worked on Perry’s television shows Ruthless and The Oval. Dixon alleges that Perry used his position of power and influence to create what he describes as a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.”
According to the filing, Perry promised Dixon career advancement but allegedly subjected him to escalating harassment and abuse while maintaining direct control over his employment and creative opportunities. The lawsuit also claims that Dixon faced professional retaliation after rejecting Perry’s alleged sexual advances.
The document accuses Perry, who built a billion-dollar media empire and owns a sprawling film studio complex in Atlanta, of having a “troubling pattern of exploiting vulnerable male actors and employees.” Drawing parallels to controversial figures such as Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby, the lawsuit alleges Perry used his success to “molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable” individuals seeking mentorship in the entertainment industry.
Dixon claims the two first met in 2019 at the opening party of Perry’s studio, where Perry allegedly took an interest in his employment and acting aspirations. Perry reportedly followed up with text messages and offered Dixon a role on one of his television shows—described in the suit as the first step in an alleged series of quid pro quo interactions.
The lawsuit recounts an incident where Dixon was invited to Perry’s home and, after being offered alcohol, was encouraged to spend the night. While resting in a guest room, Dixon claims Perry entered the bed uninvited and touched him inappropriately. The suit describes multiple instances over several years, including an alleged assault in which Perry forcibly removed Dixon’s clothing and attempted sexual contact.
Included in the filing are purported communications between the two, containing flirtatious and sexually suggestive messages allegedly sent by Perry, which Dixon claims he tried to deflect.
Tyler Perry has denied all allegations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” stating, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and Perry’s team has vowed to fight the allegations vigorously. The case is expected to attract widespread media attention, given Perry’s high-profile status and the severity of the claims.
