Tyler Perry accused of sexual harassment by former assistant

Acclaimed filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a wave of public scrutiny following a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former assistant, Derek Dixon, who recently broke his silence in multiple interviews, alleging a pattern of misconduct and professional retaliation spanning several years.

The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court in June, accuses Perry of creating a hostile work environment, unwanted sexual advances, and using his influence to blacklist Dixon after the assistant allegedly rejected inappropriate behavior.

Dixon Details Alleged Harassment and Retaliation

In an emotional interview with People, Derek Dixon claimed he endured repeated harassment while working closely with Perry across multiple projects, including high-profile productions under the Tyler Perry Studios banner.

Dixon, who began working for Perry as a personal assistant in 2021, alleged that the director and actor blurred professional boundaries, making sexually suggestive remarks and extending invitations to private, non-work-related meetings. When Dixon began to push back, he says the tone of their working relationship soured dramatically.

“I felt like I was being punished for saying no,” Dixon told People. “He stopped taking my input seriously, and eventually, I was pushed out.”

Why Dixon Says He’s Speaking Out Now

Speaking to News24, Dixon explained his decision to go public:

 “I couldn’t just let him get away with this. People need to know that abuse of power happens even at the top, and silence only protects the powerful.”

Dixon said he filed the lawsuit not for fame or money, but because he wanted accountability from one of the most powerful names in Black entertainment. He added that mental health struggles and fear of industry blacklisting delayed his decision to speak up.

He also claims to have documentation, including emails and witness testimony, to back his case. His legal team confirmed that the evidence includes text messages and messages from production staff that support claims of a toxic work environment.

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Tyler Perry Yet to Issue Formal Response

As of Friday, Tyler Perry has not issued a direct public response to the lawsuit or the interviews. A representative for Perry previously stated that the claims are “baseless and defamatory,” and said the legal team is preparing to vigorously fight the allegations in court.

Legal experts suggest this case could become a high-profile test of Hollywood’s post-#MeToo workplace culture, particularly within Black-owned entertainment enterprises, where representation and power dynamics often remain complex and underreported.

Industry Reaction Remains Divided

While some fans and peers have rushed to Perry’s defense, others have voiced support for Dixon’s courage in stepping forward. The silence from major Hollywood studios, streaming partners, and Tyler Perry Studios collaborators has drawn attention, with critics accusing the industry of selectively engaging in accountability based on the star’s stature.

Social media has erupted with polarized reactions, with #SupportDixon and #IStandWithTyler trending simultaneously across platforms like X and Instagram.

What Happens to Tyler Perry in the Legal Battle

The case is set to be heard later this year in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with preliminary motions expected in August. Legal observers say the suit may open a broader conversation about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), power imbalances in celebrity-led companies, and accountability for off-camera behavior.

For now, Tyler Perry’s reputation, carefully built over decades, is under the microscope, as the court of public opinion awaits further developments in what could become a landmark case for workplace justice in the entertainment world.