Key Points:
- Tyler Perry calls the $260M lawsuit filed against him a setup and says it’s completely false.
- The lawsuit was filed by actor Derek Dixon, who once worked on Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless.
- Perry’s lawyer says they’re ready to fight and prove the claims are made-up.
Perry Calls the Lawsuit a Scam, Vows to Fight It
Famous filmmaker and billionaire Tyler Perry is speaking out after being hit with a shocking $260 million lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon claims Perry harassed, assaulted, and later punished him professionally.
But Perry says the entire case is false. His lawyer, Matthew Boyd, strongly denied all the claims.
“This is someone who got close to Tyler just to set up a scam,” Boyd said. “Tyler will not be shaken down, and we’re confident these lies won’t stand in court.”
Perry’s team is not taking the case lightly. They say he plans to fight with full strength and clear his name completely.
What the Lawsuit Alleges Against Perry
According to legal documents seen by Good Morning America, Derek Dixon says the trouble began in 2019, shortly after he met Perry.
He claims Perry sent him strange and inappropriate messages. Then in January 2020, he says things got worse when Perry allegedly assaulted him.
Right after that, Perry offered him a role on The Oval, which Dixon says made him feel trapped and scared. He believed speaking up could cost him his job, especially given Perry’s powerful position in the entertainment world.
The lawsuit states: “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 Says the Stress Pushed Him to the Limit
Dixon says the experience affected his mental and physical health. He was prescribed antidepressants and eventually moved to Santa Monica, California, to heal.
He said the pressure from keeping quiet was heavy. “I felt like I had no choice,” he explained through legal filings.
Dixon is now asking for $260 million in damages for pain, suffering, and lost career opportunities.
Perry Moves Forward With New Projects Despite the Drama
The timing of the lawsuit couldn’t be more intense. Tyler Perry is set to release his new comedy film Madea’s Destination Wedding on July 11.
Also, his latest Netflix film, Straw, featuring Taraji P. Henson and Teyana Taylor, just launched and is gaining global attention.
Despite the serious claims, Perry is continuing his work. His team insists that the truth will come out — and that he has nothing to hide.
