Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Harassment and Assault in New Lawsuit by Actor Derek Dixon

Hollywood filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon.

Dixon, who worked on Perry’s BET shows Ruthless and The Oval, alleges that Perry used his position of power to create what he described as a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” In the legal filing, Dixon claims that Perry promised him career advancement but instead subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery.”

The actor further states that the abuse took place while Perry maintained “direct control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities,” making it difficult to reject or report the alleged misconduct without risking his career.

Perry has denied all the allegations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” accusing Dixon of fabricating the claims for personal gain.

“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.”

As of now, no criminal charges have been filed. Perry has not commented personally on the matter beyond the legal response from his team.