Renowned filmmaker and billionaire Tyler Perry is embroiled in a $260 million lawsuit filed by former actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s TV series The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon accuses Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation, claims that Perry’s legal team has vehemently denied as baseless.
According to legal documents obtained by Good Morning America, the alleged incidents began after Dixon’s initial meeting with Perry in 2019. The accusations include claims of inappropriate messages escalating to an alleged assault in January 2020. Shortly after, Dixon was cast in The Oval, but he claims the experience took an emotional toll, requiring him to seek therapy and antidepressants.
The court filing alleges:
From this point on, Dixon worked with the constant fear of losing his job if he did not engage with and endure Perry’s sexual harassment.”
Dixon later relocated to Santa Monica, California, describing the move as part of his efforts to recover from the alleged incidents.
Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, issued a strong rebuttal, calling the lawsuit an unfounded extortion attempt. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” Boyd stated.
He affirmed that Perry is prepared to vigorously contest the allegations in court.
The lawsuit coincides with the lead-up to the July 11 release of Perry’s latest Madea film, Madea’s Destination Wedding. Additionally, his Netflix film Straw, starring Taraji P. Henson and Teyana Taylor, has recently premiered, garnering global attention.
The legal battle has sparked widespread debate online, with many fans and critics weighing in:
@banks_of_africa: “Why is there always an agenda to cripple rich black men? And I’m not saying he did it or not… I’m just saying why must it always be a black man?”
@thekokoma: “He just messed up his career! 260M he won’t see, Career? Dead now! Read all those screenshots—not even one inappropriate word.”
@she_is_nasa: “Make him more popular please. We love him. Flirting is now called assault?”
@akunwa_: “It’s about to go down!!! I’ve had that feeling that they’d come for Tyler Perry soon.”
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