Tyler Perry is firing back after being hit with a massive $77 million sexual assault lawsuit filed in California. The entertainment powerhouse, best known for his Madea movies and billion-dollar media empire, is flatly denying the explosive allegations made by a young actor who claims Perry assaulted him during a private meeting.
According to the civil complaint, the actor—who had a minor role in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween—says he was invited to meet with the filmmaker to discuss career opportunities. Instead, the lawsuit alleges Perry made unwanted advances, groped him, and told him to “let it happen.” The actor claims he repeatedly asked Perry to stop, describing the encounter as traumatizing and career-threatening.
The lawsuit paints Perry as a powerful figure leveraging his industry clout for personal gain. The plaintiff alleges that Perry suggested “cooperating” could lead to acting roles and later offered him $5,000, which the actor now claims was hush money tied to unfulfilled promises of work.
The legal filing accuses Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress—charges that could lead to an eye-popping payout if the court sides with the plaintiff.
Perry’s team, however, is not holding back. His representatives have branded the lawsuit “completely baseless,” calling it a blatant cash grab designed to exploit Perry’s fame and wealth. They emphasize that no criminal charges have been filed and that Perry intends to fight the case vigorously in court.
This isn’t the first time Perry’s name has surfaced in a high-stakes civil suit. Earlier this year, another actor accused him of misconduct on one of his TV sets, a separate case still winding its way through the courts. Perry denied those allegations as well.
The timing couldn’t be worse for one of Hollywood’s most influential moguls, whose productions have launched dozens of careers and reshaped the entertainment landscape. As the industry continues to reckon with the fallout of #MeToo and ongoing discussions about abuse of power, Perry now finds himself under the same spotlight that’s taken down other giants.
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, but legal insiders expect a long and messy battle ahead, filled with depositions, sealed evidence, and potential settlement talks. Whether Perry’s empire emerges unscathed—or takes a hit that could ripple across Hollywood—remains to be seen.
