Tyler Perry faces $260 million lawsuit over sexual assault allegation by actor Derek Dixon

Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who has accused him of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation during their collaboration on BET’s The Oval and Ruthless.

The lawsuit, filed on June 13, 2025, in Los Angeles, details a series of alleged incidents occurring between January 2020 and June 2021, beginning shortly after Dixon and Perry were introduced through mutual industry contacts.

Dixon alleges that Perry made his first sexual advance during a visit to Perry’s Georgia home in early 2020. He further claims that unwanted physical contact occurred during a cast trip to the Bahamas later that year, and again at a separate meeting in mid-2021.

According to the complaint, Perry sent Dixon explicit messages and pressured him for sexual favors, allegedly linking his professional advancement to his willingness to comply. When Dixon rejected these advances, he claims Perry retaliated, resulting in professional setbacks.

Dixon asserts that the experience caused him severe emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia, which he continues to treat with medication. He also claims financial losses amounting to nearly $400,000 after stepping away from the show’s final season due to the alleged misconduct.

Tyler Perry has firmly denied the accusations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, labeled the lawsuit as “entirely fabricated” and described it as a “shakedown attempt.” “Mr. Perry will not be extorted,” Boyd stated, expressing confidence that the allegations will be disproven in court.

The case has drawn widespread attention and renewed discussions around power, influence, and accountability in the entertainment industry. Legal proceedings are ongoing.