Tyler Perry faces allegations of workplace gender violence and sexual harassment | Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by an actor who claims that the media mogul used his influence and power to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles last week, was first reported on Tuesday. Derek Dixon, who worked on Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval, alleged that Perry promised career advancement but subjected him to escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery. Dixon claims he was harassed and abused by Perry while the media mogul had direct control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities. He also faced retaliation when he did not respond favorably to Perry’s advances. Perry, the billionaire star of the Madea film series, is one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood and has denied the allegations, with his lawyer describing it as a “shakedown.” The lawsuit also alleges that Perry has a troubling pattern of exploiting vulnerable male actors and employees and compares him to other high-profile figures accused of similar behavior. According to the suit, Perry met Dixon in 2019 and offered him a job on one of his television shows. Shortly after, Dixon was invited to Perry’s home and accused the media mogul of sexually assaulting him. The suit describes multiple incidents of sexual harassment and assault over several years and seeks at least $260m in damages.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/17/tyler-perry-sexual-harassment-gender-violence-lawsuit