Tyler Perry hit with explosive lawsuit over alleged misconduct

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Director and filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million (4.69 billion ZAR) lawsuit.

This was filed by an actor alleging sexual harassment, assault and professional retaliation.

WHO FILED THE LAWSUIT AGAINST TYLER PERRY?

Actor Derek Dixon filed the lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court in early June 2025. It highlights an array of alleged instances that occurred between 2019 and 2021.

Dixon, who was cast in Perry productions like The Oval and Ruthless, said that Perry used his influence and his power to create a coercive working environment. Within this environment, career advancements were offered in exchange for Dixon entertaining sexual propositions.

Dixon alleges inappropriate physical contact and two instances of assault, one of which he claims occurred at Perry’s home in Atlanta, Georgia.

DIXON DECLINED THESE ADVANCES FROM TYLER PERRY

The complaint also outlined what Dixon alleges he endured whenever he declined these advances. His roles were reduced and minimised and any prospects were no longer being afforded to him. His legal team has alluded to a pattern of this kind of treatment happening at the Tyler Perry Studios.

HOW IS THE FAMED DIRECTOR RESPONDING?

Perry’s legal team headed by Matthew Boyd was quick to oppose these claims, referring to the lawsuit as “A baseless shakedown. There is zero truth to these claims and Mr Perry will defend himself vigorously,” Boyd stated.

This news has made global headlines, and as of yet, no court date has been set. Dixon does run the risk of these claims being thrown out or dismissed and this could have adverse effects on his career but If Dixon is in the right, however, Perry’s empire, which was built on upstanding morals and just intentions, might take a knock.

This is the first time Perry has been linked to allegations of this nature. In 2012 he was involved in a case involving copyright infringement and in 2008 he was embroiled in a labour dispute with the Writers Guild.