Los Angeles, CA – June 18, 2025 – Award-winning filmmaker, media mogul, and actor Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon, who alleges that Perry used his power and influence in the entertainment industry to sexually harass, assault, and manipulate him while offering promises of career advancement. The explosive lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Perry’s inappropriate conduct spanned several years and was fueled by a coercive abuse of authority under the guise of mentorship and professional opportunity.
Derek Dixon, best known for his recurring role in BET’s political drama The Oval, claims that Perry lured him with promises of success, only to later subject him to sexual misconduct, manipulation, and professional retaliation when he resisted Perry’s advances. The case, which has garnered intense media attention, was first reported by TMZ and subsequently confirmed by Dixon’s legal team.
The Allegations
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of Perry’s alleged conduct, beginning in 2019 when Dixon, then working event staff at one of Perry’s parties, first came into contact with the media mogul. According to the lawsuit, Perry expressed immediate interest in Dixon, later offering him an audition that led to a small role on Ruthless and eventually a more prominent part on The Oval.
However, what began as a seemingly promising opportunity reportedly evolved into a coercive and sexually charged dynamic. The lawsuit alleges that Perry began sending Dixon inappropriate text messages, including explicit language and sexual innuendo. Among the evidence submitted are screenshots of texts, one of which reportedly read: “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?”
As Dixon’s character on The Oval gained prominence, the lawsuit claims Perry’s sexual advances escalated. Dixon alleges that he attempted to maintain professionalism and friendly boundaries, but was constantly under pressure to submit.
“Dixon did his best to tiptoe around Mr. Perry’s sexual aggression while keeping on Mr. Perry’s good side,” the filing states. “Mr. Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos, Dixon’s character would ‘die.’”
The suit accuses Perry of multiple instances of sexual assault. In one particularly harrowing account, Dixon claims that Perry forcibly undressed him, groped his buttocks, and tried to force himself on him. Despite Dixon verbally resisting, Perry only stopped when Dixon redirected the conversation and de-escalated the situation.
The next day, Perry reportedly apologized and offered to collaborate on a television pilot Dixon was developing titled Losing It. According to the complaint, Perry later acquired the rights to the show but had no intention of producing it, using it instead as leverage to keep Dixon compliant.
Further Allegations and Retaliation
The lawsuit details further alleged incidents, including one in which Perry entered a guest room at his home where Dixon was staying, climbed into bed with him uninvited, and began groping him. Feeling increasingly unsafe and unsupported, Dixon eventually moved from Atlanta, where Perry’s studios are based, to Los Angeles.
In 2024, Dixon filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which he claims did not result in any meaningful action by producers of The Oval. Feeling ignored and fearing further retaliation, Dixon eventually quit the show.
The 260 million dollar suit includes claims of sexual harassment, assault, battery, retaliation, and emotional distress. Dixon’s lawyers argue that Perry’s actions represent a gross abuse of power in the entertainment industry, where aspiring talents are often vulnerable to exploitation.
Perry’s Denial
Tyler Perry, through his attorney Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied all allegations. Boyd dismissed the lawsuit as a desperate attempt to extort money from one of the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures.
“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 in a statement. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated harassment claims will fail.”
Perry has not issued a personal statement at this time. The Madea creator, aged 55, has long been regarded as a trailblazer in Black media, owning a sprawling production empire that includes TV, film, and stage work. His journey from homelessness to billionaire status has been widely celebrated, but this lawsuit threatens to cast a shadow over his carefully curated image.
Industry Reaction and Implications
The lawsuit has sparked a wider discussion in Hollywood about the balance of power in the entertainment industry and the vulnerability of rising actors. Advocates for survivors of sexual misconduct are calling for a thorough investigation, while legal experts expect the case to face significant scrutiny in the coming weeks.
“It’s a deeply serious allegation,” said legal analyst Monique Harris. “If the claims are proven, it would have devastating consequences for Tyler Perry, not just legally but reputationally.”
The Associated Press confirmed that Derek Dixon, now residing in Los Angeles, has chosen to publicly identify himself, a decision often avoided in sexual assault cases. His legal team has expressed confidence that the evidence, including messages and documented incidents, will support his claims in court.
Perry’s Legacy at Stake
Tyler Perry is one of the most successful African-American figures in media history. In addition to his Madea franchise, Perry has written, produced, and directed numerous hit television shows and films. His Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios is one of the largest production facilities in the U.S., and he has been honored for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for underrepresented voices in film and television.
However, this case could mark a turning point. If the allegations are upheld, it would represent one of the most high-profile #MeToo-era reckonings in the Black entertainment community.
For now, Perry’s team is preparing for a legal battle that may drag on for months or even years. Meanwhile, The Oval remains on air, and the industry is watching closely as more details unfold.
Whether Perry’s legacy remains intact or is forever altered will largely depend on what the courts — and the court of public opinion — decide in the months ahead.
