Tyler Perry Denies $260 Million Assault Lawsuit, Dismisses Claims as “False Accusations”

The legal battle between media mogul Tyler Perry and actor Derek Dixon has intensified as Perry’s legal team formally responded to a $260 million sexual assault lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

Court documents filed this week reveal that Perry’s attorneys are aggressively challenging Dixon’s allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as a fabricated attempt to extract money from the successful filmmaker and studio owner. The legal team specifically pointed to what they consider inconsistencies in Dixon’s claims.

“By his actions and false accusations, it is clear that Dixon needs help,” Perry’s attorneys stated in the filing obtained by PEOPLE magazine. “But he cannot find it in this Court. Although Dixon alleges that he was the victim of escalating sexual misconduct, he had no problem taking a role on Season 2 of Mr. Perry’s television series ‘The Oval.'”

Perry’s defense also contends that the lawsuit was improperly filed, arguing that the case belongs in Georgia where the alleged professional interactions took place, not in the current jurisdiction.

Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s productions “The Oval” and “Ruthless,” alleges that the filmmaker and entertainment executive created what his lawsuit describes as a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” The lawsuit further claims that Perry sexually assaulted Dixon in 2020, allegations that Perry categorically denies.

The actor’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, remains undeterred by Perry’s response, countering that substantial evidence backs his client’s claims. “Perry’s filing provides no evidence to corroborate that the text messages in our complaint are fabricated,” Delshad stated. “Our complaint includes text messages where Mr. Perry made explicit sexual remarks to Mr. Dixon, questioned him about his sex life, and dangled professional opportunities based on those interactions.”

Delshad emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “No employer has the right to manipulate or threaten an employee’s livelihood based on sexual expectations. We are certain that we will be able to prove to a jury that sexual harassment, assault, and battery absolutely happened.”

The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to Perry, who has built an entertainment empire worth billions through his plays, films, and television shows. His “Madea” character has become a cultural phenomenon, helping Perry establish himself as one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry.

Perry, who opened his own 330-acre studio complex in Atlanta in 2019, has been credited with creating thousands of jobs and providing opportunities to underrepresented talent in the industry. This lawsuit comes at a time when Perry has been expanding his production footprint and securing major distribution deals with streaming platforms.

Delshad suggested that this case might be just the beginning of a larger pattern of allegations. “I am convinced that Mr. Dixon is not the only one and that soon others will be sharing stories about Mr. Perry,” he stated. “My client is not intimidated by wealth, influence, or the celebrity status of Mr. Perry. Nobody is above the law. We are committed to holding Mr. Perry accountable to the full extent of the law.”

The entertainment industry has seen numerous high-profile sexual misconduct cases in recent years following the #MeToo movement, which has empowered individuals to speak out against alleged abuses of power in Hollywood and beyond.

As the case progresses, it will likely draw significant attention from both the entertainment community and the public. Neither side appears willing to back down, setting the stage for what could be a protracted and highly publicized legal battle between one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures and an actor determined to have his day in court.