Tyler Perry faces $260 Million sexual assault lawsuit from male actor

Tyler Perry’s Legal Battle: $260 Million Lawsuit Shocks Hollywood

In early June, actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation during his time on Perry’s BET series The Oval and Ruthless. The complaint, claims Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.”

Ultimately, promising career advancement only to escalate unwanted advances. Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the allegations as a “scam,” asserting confidence in their failure. As one of Hollywood’s most praised creators, this accusation is devastating. This article explores Dixon’s claims, Perry’s career, and other high-profile celebrity sexual assault cases.

Tyler Perry’s Empire: From Madea to Mogul

Born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Tyler Perry built a $1 billion empire through his Madea character, stage plays, and TV series. His breakthrough came with Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005). Historically, grossing $50.6 million, followed by hits like Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and Why Did I Get Married? (2007). Perry’s films have earned over $660 million, and his 2012 partnership with Oprah Winfrey’s OWN produced The Haves and the Have Nots. In 2019, he launched The Oval on BET, with Ruthless as its spin-off. Forbes named him the highest-paid man in entertainment in 2011, and Time listed him among the 100 most influential people in 2020.

Despite commercial success, Perry’s work has faced criticism for perpetuating African-American stereotypes, with scholars like Donald Bogle comparing Madea to “mammy” archetypes. Perry, a father to a son with girlfriend Gelila Bekele, has long faced unconfirmed rumors about his sexuality, which resurfaced with Dixon’s lawsuit. He has not publicly addressed the allegations, leaving the legal battle to unfold.

Derek Dixon’s Allegations: A Coercive Dynamic

Dixon, who played Dale in 85 episodes of The Oval, alleges he met Perry in September 2019 at a Tyler Perry Studios event in Atlanta, where Perry requested his phone number and hinted at acting opportunities. According to the 46-page lawsuit, Perry cast Dixon in a minor role on Ruthless in November 2019, followed by a series regular role on The Oval in February 2020. However, Dixon claims Perry’s advances began in January 2020 at his Atlanta home, where, after heavy drinking, Perry allegedly slipped into Dixon’s guest room bed and touched his thighs. Dixon rejected the advance but feared career repercussions if he outright refused Perry.

The lawsuit details further incidents, including a 2020 Bahamas cast trip where Perry allegedly groped Dixon, and a June 2021 assault at Perry’s guest house, where Perry reportedly pulled down Dixon’s underwear and groped him despite protests. Dixon alleges Perry sent sexually explicit texts, such as, “I would f**k you,” and threatened to kill off his character if he ignored advances. Screenshots of texts show Perry discussing “guiltless sex” and expressing jealousy over Dixon’s friends. Dixon claims the stress led to severe health issues, including PTSD, requiring Zoloft, and a December 2020 physician visit confirmed acute stress and low cortisol levels.

A Detail of Events

In June 2024, Dixon reported the harassment to TPS Production Services, but claims no investigation followed. He quit The Oval during its final season, losing nearly $400,000, and alleges Perry retaliated by terminating his contract after a medical leave. Dixon also accuses Perry of using his pilot, Losing It, as leverage, buying its rights without intent to produce it. Dixon seeks $260 million for quid pro quo harassment, sexual assault, battery, and retaliation, requesting a jury trial. Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, released a statement claiming the following, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam.”

Celebrity Sexual Assault Cases: A Growing Spotlight

Dixon’s lawsuit joins a wave of high-profile celebrity sexual assault cases in 2025. Further, reflecting increased scrutiny on power dynamics in entertainment:

• Smokey Robinson: In June 2025, four former employees filed a civil lawsuit against the Motown legend, alleging decades of rape, harassment, and abuse. The claims, reported by The Express Tribune, detail a pattern of misconduct, with Robinson’s team yet to respond publicly.
• Shannon Sharpe: In September 2024, an Atlanta woman filed a restraining order against the ESPN host. Ultimately, alleging sexual assault after a consensual encounter turned non-consensual. Sharpe denied the claims on Nightcap, prompting a defamation countersuit. The case, covered by USA Today, remains unresolved.
• Sean “Diddy” Combs: Facing 2025 trials for sex trafficking and racketeering, Combs was accused by Cassie and others of sexual assault. With lawsuits citing decades of abuse. His legal team denies the allegations.
• L.A. Reid: In November 2023, former employee Drew Dixon sued Reid for sexual assault, alleging years of harassment at Arista Records. The case, reported by HotNewHipHop, continues to highlight industry accountability.
• Russell Simmons: In 2024, multiple women, filed lawsuits against Simmons for rape and harassment. With claims dating back to the 1990s. Simmons settled one case in November 2024.

These cases, like Dixon’s, underscore the challenges of confronting powerful figures, with accusers often facing skepticism or retaliation. The public’s response, seen in media coverage, shows a mix of support for survivors and defense of celebrity legacies.

Why Dixon’s Lawsuit Hits a Nerve

Filed on June 17, 2025, Dixon’s lawsuit against Tyler Perry quickly gained traction for its serious allegations of workplace misconduct. Accusing one of Hollywood’s most influential figures of emotional abuse and retaliation. Additionally, the case challenges Perry’s widely embraced image as a creative mentor and industry trailblazer. The inclusion of alleged text exchanges and claims of health deterioration, adds a layer of urgency to Dixon’s story. While Perry’s firm denial keeps the public divided. With echoes of recent legal battles involving figures like Smokey Robinson, this lawsuit strikes at the heart of ongoing conversations. Specifically, about power, accountability, and the hidden costs of success in the entertainment industry.

Will Tyler Perry Be Arrested?

Dixon’s case awaits a trial date, with Perry’s team vowing to fight the “fabricated” claims. The lawsuit’s outcome could impact Perry’s reputation and BET’s The Oval. Set to air its sixth season later this year. Dixon’s EEOC complaint and alleged retaliation may prompt industry scrutiny of Tyler Perry Studios. Perry, who recently signed a Netflix first-look deal, faces a pivotal moment as he navigates these allegations.

An Unfortunate Moment

Derek Dixon’s $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging sexual assault and harassment on The Oval and Ruthless, has rocked Hollywood. Perry’s legacy as a filmmaker behind Madea and The Oval now contends with serious accusations. Ultimately, mirroring cases against figures like Smokey Robinson and Shannon Sharpe. As the legal battle unfolds, the case invites reflection on power, accountability, and resilience in the entertainment industry.