Tyler Perry Faces Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment and Workplace Abuse
Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon, who has accused him of sexual harassment, gender-based workplace violence, and sexual assault.
According to court documents filed by Dixon, the actor alleges that Perry used his influential position in the industry to create what he described as a “coercive and sexually exploitative dynamic.” Dixon worked on two of Perry’s television productions, Ruthless and The Oval.
In the lawsuit, Dixon claims that while Perry promised him career advancement and professional growth, he was instead subjected to escalating harassment, unwanted sexual advances, and physical abuse. The actor alleges that Perry exercised direct control over his employment status, creative opportunities, and compensation throughout the ordeal.
Dixon’s legal team maintains that the alleged abuse occurred while he was working under Perry’s production umbrella and that the powerful filmmaker used his position to silence resistance and maintain dominance in the workplace.
In response to the allegations, Tyler Perry has firmly denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the claims as “fabricated” and part of an attempt to extort money from the filmmaker.
“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 claims of harassment will fail.”
The lawsuit has not yet gone to trial, and no official court date has been set. Representatives for Perry have not provided further comment beyond Boyd’s statement.
Tyler Perry, known for his extensive work in film, television, and theatre, is one of the most successful Black filmmakers in Hollywood, with a media empire built around his production company, Tyler Perry Studios. He was named a billionaire by Forbes in 2020 and has received multiple accolades for his contributions to entertainment and philanthropy.
