Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault by ‘The Oval’ Actor Derek Dixon, $260 Million Lawsuit Filed
Hollywood under fire again as actor Derek Dixon brings serious allegations against filmmaker Tyler Perry.
Derek Dixon Files $260 Million Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry
Actor Derek Dixon, best known for his role in BET’s political drama The Oval, has filed a lawsuit against renowned filmmaker Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault. According to the lawsuit, Perry allegedly used his power and influence to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic”.
The lawsuit, filed recently, seeks a minimum of $260 million in punitive damages, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the scale of alleged abuse.
Allegations from “The Oval” Set
Dixon claims that much of the alleged misconduct took place during his time working on The Oval, a show in which he appeared in 85 episodes. The complaint suggests that Tyler Perry leveraged his role as creator and producer to sexually exploit Dixon.
According to court filings, in June 2021, Dixon was staying at Perry’s guesthouse when an incident occurred. Perry, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, groped Dixon’s buttocks without consent. Additionally, the complaint states that Perry sent sexually explicit text messages and inappropriate propositions over a span of several years.
Tyler Perry’s Legal Team Responds: “This Is Just a Shakedown”
In response, Perry’s lawyer Matthew Boyd has denied all allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as a “shakedown.” Boyd claimed that Derek Dixon only got close to Perry as part of a calculated attempt to plan a scam.
“Tyler will not be shaken down,” Boyd said. “We are confident that these fabricated claims of harassment will ultimately fail.”
What Derek Dixon’s Complaint Reveals
Their First Encounter in 2019
According to Dixon’s legal filing, the two met in 2019 at a party held at Tyler Perry’s Atlanta Studios, where Dixon was working for an event company. Perry reportedly showed interest in Dixon, reached out by phone, and eventually cast him as “Dale” in the show Restless.
The Guesthouse Incident
The complaint outlines a disturbing narrative. After being invited to Perry’s home and served drinks, Dixon was encouraged to stay overnight in the guest room. That night, Perry allegedly entered Dixon’s bed and began initiating unwanted physical contact, prompting Dixon to immediately get up.
“Dixon repeatedly told Perry he wasn’t interested in sex,” the lawsuit states, “trying to protect his career while resisting Perry’s advances.”
Soon after, Dixon was cast in The Oval, and the suit claims this was part of a quid pro quo pattern of exploitation.
Abuse of Power On Set
The lawsuit accuses Perry of continued abuse of power during the filming of The Oval. Dixon alleges that Perry often made sexually suggestive comments on set, asked personal and intrusive questions, and intimidated him into complying, suggesting that his character would be written off otherwise.
This atmosphere of fear allegedly forced Dixon to tolerate inappropriate behavior to protect his career.
The “Losing It” Script & Another Alleged Assault
The complaint further details that Derek Dixon wrote a script for a show titled Losing It, which Perry promised to produce. In June 2021, Dixon went to Perry’s residence to discuss the show. According to the complaint, Perry once again took advantage of the situation and attempted to sexually assault him in the guesthouse.
Later, Perry allegedly called to apologize, blaming his actions on testosterone supplements and once again promised to produce the show. But as per the lawsuit, Perry had no real intention of producing it. Instead, he allegedly used the promise of production as leverage, holding it over Dixon like “a sword hanging above his head.”
Final Thoughts: A Career at Risk, A Fight for Justice
The allegations brought forth by Derek Dixon paint a troubling picture of what he describes as years of manipulation, abuse of power, and emotional distress. The lawsuit represents more than just monetary compensation—it is a public confrontation of systemic abuse in the entertainment industry, led by one of its most prominent figures.
As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are now on how this case will impact not just Tyler Perry’s reputation, but also broader conversations around male survivors of sexual assault in Hollywood.
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