Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and producer, is facing a new legal challenge concerning his latest Netflix series, She the People. The lawsuit alleges that Perry appropriated the concept from an existing work without authorization.
Allegations of Intellectual Property Infringement
The plaintiff, whose identity remains confidential due to ongoing legal proceedings, claims that the premise of She the People closely mirrors a script they submitted to Perry’s production company in 2022. According to the lawsuit, the original script centered on a Black woman ascending to a significant political position in the American South, navigating both familial and systemic challenges.
“We believe that Mr. Perry had access to our client’s work and utilized substantial elements without consent,” said the plaintiff’s attorney in a statement released on Monday. “Our client seeks recognition and appropriate compensation for their original creation.”
She the People, which premiered on Netflix on May 22, 2025, follows Antoinette Dunkerson, portrayed by Terri J. Vaughn, as she becomes Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor. The series delves into themes of systemic racism, gender dynamics, and the complexities of Southern politics. It has received mixed reviews, with some praising its ambition and others critiquing its execution.
Perry’s Response and Legal History
As of this writing, Tyler Perry and his representatives have not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, this is not the first time Perry has faced legal action over alleged intellectual property infringement. In 2014, a federal lawsuit accused Perry and Oprah Winfrey of stealing the idea behind the OWN Network show The Haves and the Have Nots. That case was eventually dismissed.
In a separate incident in 2016, Perry was sued for $70 million over claims that his film Good Deeds was based on another writer’s work. The court ruled in Perry’s favor, stating that the similarities between the two works were minimal.
Despite these legal challenges, Perry’s partnership with Netflix has been fruitful. In addition to She the People, he has multiple projects slated for release in 2025, including Madea’s Destination Wedding and Beauty in Black Part 2.
Industry Implications
The lawsuit against Perry highlights ongoing concerns in the entertainment industry regarding the protection of original ideas. As streaming platforms continue to seek diverse and compelling content, creators are increasingly vigilant about safeguarding their intellectual property.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. “If the plaintiff can prove that substantial elements were copied, it could encourage other creators to come forward,” said entertainment lawyer Lisa Thompson.
The case is currently pending in federal court, with preliminary hearings expected to begin later this summer.