Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses Perry of years of sexual harassment and assault while working on the BET drama The Oval.
Actor alleges coercion and exploitation
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims Perry used his influence to manipulate and exploit Dixon professionally and sexually. Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of The Oval, alleges Perry promised him career advancement in exchange for sexual favors, and retaliated when Dixon refused his advances.
According to the lawsuit, Perry first met Dixon at a 2019 event for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. After initial conversations about acting opportunities, Perry allegedly began making sexual overtures.
Allegations detailed in the lawsuit include:
- Unwanted sexual text messages from Perry
- Threats to kill off Dixon’s character “Dale” if advances were rejected
- Physical assaults on set and at Perry’s Atlanta home
- An alleged incident where Perry pulled down Dixon’s underwear and groped him
Dixon said he remained silent for years out of fear for his career, only filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2024 before quitting the show.
Perry’s legal team calls lawsuit a “scam”
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, issued a strong denial, calling the allegations “fabricated” and a “shakedown attempt.” “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd stated.
The lawsuit includes screenshots of explicit messages allegedly sent by Perry, including one that reads, “No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to f**k you.”
Claims of workplace retaliation
Dixon also claims Perry offered him a raise and agreed to produce his pilot show Losing It, as a way to placate him after an alleged assault. He asserts the offer was not genuine and used merely to maintain control.
The complaint accuses Perry and his production company of:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault and battery
- Retaliation in the workplace
- Breach of trust and professional misconduct
What happens next
Legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months, as Perry’s camp continues to deny all allegations. Meanwhile, Dixon’s legal team is pursuing both compensatory and punitive damages totaling $260 million.
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