Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Stay Silent as Godfather Tyler Perry Faces $260M Lawsuit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being criticized by royal experts for their silence after their close friend Tyler Perry was hit with a $260 million lawsuit by actor Derek Dixon, who has accused the filmmaker of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation.

The lawsuit, filed on June 13, alleges that Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative” work environment during the filming of his shows The Oval and Ruthless.

Perry, 55, is not only a major figure in Hollywood but also godfather to the royal couple’s daughter, Princess Lilibet, 4. Despite their past close bond, Harry and Meghan have not issued a public statement.

“Silence is a betrayal,” say experts

Some royal commentators believe the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are keeping quiet to avoid getting entangled in scandal. But critics argue their silence may hurt their reputation more than speaking out.

“This silence shows a lack of moral courage,” said British royal expert Hilary Fordwich. “It could damage their already shaky standing in Hollywood and royal circles.”

“If Perry is innocent, their lack of support looks like betrayal. If he’s guilty, staying quiet will still be seen as selfish and ungrateful,” she added.

Long history with Perry

The couple’s relationship with Tyler Perry goes back to 2020, when Perry gave them shelter in his Los Angeles mansion after their royal exit. He even provided them with security and a private jet, helping them relocate to the U.S. during the pandemic.

Perry has previously said he reached out to Meghan ahead of her royal wedding in 2018 to offer emotional support, relating to her difficult family situation.

“He stood by them when they needed him most,” said royal commentator Kinsey Schofield. “And now, when he might need support, they’ve gone quiet.”

In their 2022 Netflix series Harry & Meghan, Perry was shown speaking about their close relationship. The couple even joked about staying in his house “forever.”

Hollywood optics and brand image

Many experts believe Harry and Meghan are staying silent to protect their brand, particularly Meghan, who recently relaunched her Instagram and is preparing for a new Netflix lifestyle series called With Love, Meghan, set to release this fall.

But Schofield says this approach may backfire.

“You can post old dance videos and promote your brand, but can’t support a man who gave you everything during your lowest point? That says a lot,” she said.

Legal battle continues

Tyler Perry has denied all allegations. His lawyer, Matthew Boyd, said the claims are false and part of a scam.

“Tyler will not be shaken down,” Boyd said in a statement. “These fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

Despite the high-profile nature of the lawsuit and Perry’s deep connection to the Sussexes, the couple’s silence has raised eyebrows.

“They call themselves advocates for compassion and justice,” Fordwich said. “But their silence suggests it’s all about self-preservation.”