Tyler Perry Sued for $260 Million Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is at the center of a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses him of sexual harassment, inappropriate advances, and physical assault spanning multiple years. The lawsuit, revealed through court documents obtained by TMZ, has sent ripples across Hollywood, raising fresh concerns about power dynamics and misconduct in the entertainment industry.
According to Dixon, the alleged misconduct began in 2019 after he met Perry at a public event. He claims Perry initiated personal contact by asking for his phone number and soon began pursuing him in ways that extended beyond a professional relationship. Dixon later secured a small role in Perry’s series Ruthless on BET+, which he believes was part of the filmmaker’s strategy to maintain contact.
One of the most troubling claims in the lawsuit involves an incident in January 2020. Dixon says he visited Perry’s Atlanta home, where he was offered drinks and invited to stay the night. He alleges that later that night, Perry entered the guest room, got into bed with him, and began touching him inappropriately. Despite resisting the advances, Dixon claims the behaviour continued.
The legal complaint also outlines other instances where Perry allegedly sent sexually suggestive messages and continued pursuing Dixon after being rejected. These messages, some of which have been included in court evidence, reportedly include direct questions about Dixon’s sexual orientation and remarks that suggest Perry believed Dixon was hiding his true feelings.
Dixon further alleges that in late 2020, during a private conversation, Perry became physically aggressive—grabbing him by the throat while making sexual remarks. He claims he was forced to physically push Perry away during the encounter.
The lawsuit accuses Perry of sexual assault, workplace harassment, and engaging in quid pro quo behaviour by using his influence in the industry to manipulate professional opportunities. Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages, citing emotional distress, career harm, and damage to his reputation caused by the prolonged harassment and abuse of power.
As of now, Tyler Perry has not issued any public statement addressing the allegations.
This case adds to the ongoing dialogue around accountability in Hollywood, where several high-profile figures have been accused of using their positions to exploit others. If taken to court, the lawsuit could become a defining moment in the entertainment industry’s continued reckoning with misconduct and abuse.