Filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a substantial $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges sexual assault, sexual harassment, and workplace gender violence. Dixon, who appeared in Perry's TV series 'The Oval' and 'Ruthless,' claims that Perry exploited his position of power, subjecting him to repeated sexual misconduct and professional retaliation.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Friday, June 13, 2025, details Dixon's initial meeting with Perry in 2019 while working for an event organizing company for the opening of Tyler Perry Studios. Dixon claims Perry promised career advancement, including producing his pilot and casting him in shows, but instead subjected him to "escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery."

One of the first alleged incidents occurred in January 2020, when Dixon claims Perry invited him to his Atlanta home. Dixon alleged he consumed too much alcohol and, while sleeping in a guest room, Perry entered the bed and touched his thighs without consent. Dixon stated he rejected these advances, but Perry allegedly persisted, leading to multiple incidents over the following years. Another serious incident was reportedly in June 2021 at Perry's home, where Dixon, dressed only in his underwear, claimed Perry entered his room, attempted a goodnight hug, and then groped him. The lawsuit further reads, "On multiple occasions, Mr. Perry sexually assaulted Mr. Dixon, including one instance where he forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon’s clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon." Additionally, Dixon alleged a groping incident during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020.

Dixon also claims that Perry engaged in professional retaliation when his advances were not reciprocated. He alleged that Perry, who had direct control over his employment and opportunities, sent suggestive messages offering both career prospects and sexual advances. Dixon states that after being cast in 'The Oval,' Perry implied his character, Dale, would "die" in the next season if Dixon ignored his advances. Indeed, Dixon's character was shot four times in the chest at the end of season one, leading Dixon to believe his job security depended on his "relationship" with Perry. Dixon also claimed Perry sexually assaulted him in his trailer after filming an episode where his character was seemingly written off.

The alleged misconduct has taken a significant toll on Dixon's health. By December 2020, he began experiencing severe symptoms of acute stress, insomnia, stomach issues, and low cortisol levels, leading to a diagnosis and a prescription for Zoloft, an antidepressant. Over several months, he also developed severe depression, anxiety, stomach pains, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all attributed to the alleged harassment and assault.

In response to the lawsuit, Matthew Boyd, Perry's attorney, has vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as a "scam" and "fabricated claims." Boyd stated, "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail."

Following the lawsuit's filing, private text messages between Perry and Dixon were leaked online. These messages, included as evidence, contained explicit and suggestive content and have been interpreted by some as implying coercion. Public reactions to the leaked messages have been mixed, with some dismissing them as mere flirting, while others suggest they indicate a coercive dynamic.

Separately, in May 2025, Perry apologized for missing President William Ruto's visit to his studio. Ruto, accompanied by his family and delegation, was welcomed by Steve Harvey who gave them a tour of the complex, as Perry was engaged elsewhere.