Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms has named filmmaker and entertainment mogul Tyler Perry as a co-chair of her gubernatorial transition team, bringing the high-profile Hollywood figure into the group preparing her administration to take office in January.

Bottoms announced the leadership team Friday, unveiling an initiative called “Georgia’s Promise.” Perry joins several prominent business, political and civic figures who will help guide the transition, including Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Roz Brewer, Carter Center board chairman Jason Carter and civic nonprofit leader Michelle Nunn.

The appointment comes as Perry faces two separate civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, unwanted sexual advances and using his influence in the entertainment industry to exploit aspiring actors. Perry has denied the allegations, and neither lawsuit has resulted in a finding of liability.

The first lawsuit was filed in June 2025 by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s television productions, including “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages, alleging Perry sexually harassed and assaulted him while he worked on the shows and used his control over employment and acting opportunities to pressure him into unwanted encounters.

Dixon’s complaint describes several alleged incidents beginning in 2020, including claims of unwanted sexual contact at Perry’s home, on a television production set and during a trip to the filmmaker’s private island in the Bahamas. Dixon also alleges Perry retaliated against him professionally after he resisted the advances.

Perry’s attorney rejected the accusations, describing the case as an attempted financial shakedown and calling the allegations fabricated. The lawsuit was transferred to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s attorneys filed a motion seeking dismissal. As of the latest available case update, that motion had been fully briefed and was awaiting a decision.

A second lawsuit was filed in December 2025 by actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million, accusing Perry of repeatedly making unwanted sexual advances and sexually assaulting him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.

The complaint alleges Perry used the prospect of acting opportunities to establish a relationship with Rodriguez before making unwanted advances at his Los Angeles home. Rodriguez also named Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, accusing the company of failing to address Perry’s alleged conduct.

Perry has strongly denied Rodriguez’s allegations. In court filings, his attorneys argued that the claims were false and characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to obtain money from the filmmaker. Text messages obtained by The Associated Press also showed Rodriguez contacting Perry years after the alleged incidents, expressing gratitude and seeking assistance. Rodriguez’s attorney argued that the communications did not disprove his client's allegations.

The Rodriguez case has also involved disputes over discovery and the role of Lionsgate as a co-defendant. In October, a Los Angeles judge indicated that he was inclined to reject the studio’s effort to have certain claims against it dismissed, although the matter was taken under submission. Perry has agreed to sit for a deposition scheduled for December 9, according to reporting on the case.

Both lawsuits remain civil proceedings, and the allegations against Perry have not been proven in court. Perry has denied wrongdoing in both cases.

Despite the ongoing litigation, Bottoms included Perry among the leaders of her transition team, which will help prepare policy priorities and organize the incoming administration. The governor-elect has said her transition will focus on issues including affordability, health care, public education, mental health services and the state budget.

Perry, an Atlanta-based filmmaker and studio owner, has built a major entertainment business and maintains a prominent presence in Georgia. His appointment places him among the influential figures advising Bottoms as she prepares to take office.