Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment and Assault Allegations

Published: June 17, 2025

Tyler Perry has been slapped with a $260 million lawsuit over allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. The lawsuit was filed by actor Derek Dixon, who claims Perry created a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" between them while he was starring on Perry's shows The Oval and Ruthless.

Dixon alleged that Perry initially promised him career advancement and creative opportunities, but later subjected him to escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery, and professional retaliation when Dixon did not reciprocate Perry's unwanted advances.

Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, responded to the allegations, saying, "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam." Boyd added, "But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail."

Dixon claimed that he met Perry in September 2019 and was offered a small role on Ruthless in November 2019. He alleged that Perry sexually assaulted him at Perry's home in January 2020 and offered him a series regular role on The Oval the following month.

Dixon claimed that Perry made it clear that if he ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos, his character would "die" in the next season. Dixon alleged that he was similarly groped during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020.

Dixon claimed that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the alleged incidents and suffered from severe depression, anxiety, stomach pains, and nausea. He alleged that Perry's "fixers" offered him a raise to return to The Oval and that Perry would buy the rights to produce his show, Losing It.

Dixon is requesting a jury trial and is suing Perry for quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation, and more.

Meanwhile, Tyler Perry has been making headlines for his work on The Oval and Ruthless. In an exclusive interview, Perry spoke about his experience working with Teyana Taylor on The Oval.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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