Tyler Perry, the billionaire filmmaker known for the Madea film series and his expansive film and television studios in Atlanta, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment and workplace gender violence. Former employee Derek Dixon has filed suit against Perry. He claims Perry created a “dangerous, coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” in which Perry “engaged in sexual harassment, assault and battery … [that] increased over time.”
These allegations Dixon made after having worked on Perry’s productions “Ruthless” and “The Oval.” He accused Perry of using his power to prey upon susceptible young male actors and staff. When Perry opened his current studio in 2019, the two of them connected in person at the opening party. There, Perry pitched Dixon the job and assured him frequent promotions would follow. According to the lawsuit, this attractive first offer concealed a sinister pattern of practice.
Dixon claims that Perry sent him lewd and salacious text messages and once even invited him to his Washington home. On some of those occasions, Perry even discouraged Dixon from operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol when they would meet. These relationships were more clearly predatory in nature, as Dixon claims Perry sexually abused him throughout his teenage years.
“In one instance, Mr. Perry forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon’s clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon,” the lawsuit alleges. Additionally, Dixon says he complied when Perry invited him to stay in a separate guest room at Perry’s residence, thinking it was secure. Surprise, surprise, he didn’t know it was really a bait for rape.
Dixon is now seeking more than $260 million in damages from Perry. He describes the emotional and psychological impact from the reported harassment, including. The lawsuit presents a striking portrait of a man who used his profile and accomplishment as a cover to prey on those around him. It states, “Tyler Perry has been using his power and influence to molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable employees and actors who look to him for guidance and mentorship.”
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has pushed back vigorously against all of these claims. In his statement, he called the allegations made against him false and said that Dixon had ulterior motives.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” – Matthew Boyd
Boyd doubled down – Perry certainly wasn’t going to be cowed by these attacks.
“But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” – Matthew Boyd
The lawsuit goes to great lengths to contrast Perry’s alleged misconduct with the high-profile actors in recent similar scandals. It states that his success has led him to believe that “money and influence can get him whatever he wants,” likening him to notorious figures like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby.
As the case continues to develop, it raises larger issues about Hollywood’s power structure. It’s an indictment of the overall treatment of vulnerable people, particularly women, in the entertainment industry. The seriousness of the allegations against Perry has sparked conversations about workplace safety and accountability for those in positions of power.