Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, accusing the filmmaker of sexual assault and harassment. The lawsuit alleges that Perry used his influence in the entertainment industry to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon while he was acting on Perry’s shows “The Oval” and “Ruthless.”
According to the lawsuit, Perry promised Dixon a successful acting career but subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation” when Dixon did not reciprocate Perry’s “unwanted advances.” Dixon claims that Perry made it clear that if he did not engage with the sexual innuendos, his character would be killed off in the next season. The lawsuit cites numerous incidents where Perry allegedly sexually assaulted Dixon.
One such incident involved Perry purportedly interrogating Dixon over his sexual interests in a trailer on the set of “The Oval,” before allegedly pinning him to a wall and fondling him. Dixon claims he refused the advance and left the trailer. Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, has denied the allegations and described the lawsuit as a “scam” intended to extort money.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd said in a statement.
Tyler Perry lawsuit details accusations
“But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Dixon met Perry in 2019 at a work event for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
Over several months, they discussed Dixon’s acting career. The lawsuit claims that Perry selected Dixon from the crowd and began inquiring about his employment status and aspirations, later offering him a small role with the promise of career advancement. The suit details an incident at Perry’s home, where Dixon says he was invited, offered alcohol, and later allegedly assaulted after being urged to stay the night.
Dixon describes being taken to a guest room, getting into bed in his underwear, only to later find Perry in bed with him, engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Dixon ultimately left his role on “The Oval” to escape continued harassment and declined a subsequent job offer from Perry to work as a writer. He is seeking at least $260 million in damages.
The Associated Press does not typically name individuals who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Dixon has.
