Tyler Perry, one of the most powerful figures in entertainment, is facing a $260 million lawsuit from Derek Dixon—an actor from his BET+ shows The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon alleges that Perry used his influence to sexually harass and assault him, later retaliating when he refused Perry’s advances. Perry has categorically denied all claims, calling the lawsuit false and defamatory.
Highlights
- Derek Dixon accuses Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation.
- The alleged incidents happened between 2019 and 2021, including at Perry’s home and on set.
- Dixon claims Perry promised him career growth in exchange for sexual favors.
- The actor says he suffered mental health issues and lost income due to retaliation.
- Perry’s legal team has dismissed the lawsuit as fabricated and meritless.
Main Story
Derek Dixon, a former actor on The Oval, has filed a dramatic lawsuit in Los Angeles, alleging a pattern of abuse by Tyler Perry that dates back to 2019. According to court documents, Dixon claims Perry initiated inappropriate behavior shortly after casting him, including unwanted touching and sexually suggestive messages.
Dixon describes multiple disturbing encounters. In one, he says Perry invited him to his Georgia mansion under the pretense of discussing projects, only to touch him inappropriately after supplying alcohol. In another, he claims Perry forcibly pulled down his underwear and groped him. These alleged acts, Dixon says, left him traumatized and deeply affected his mental health.
After refusing Perry’s alleged advances, Dixon claims he was gradually pushed out of his role. He alleges that promised pay raises and creative opportunities vanished, and that producers warned his character might be written off. Feeling cornered, Dixon says he filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2024, then resigned from The Oval.
The lawsuit states that Dixon has endured PTSD, depression, and financial loss, prompting him to seek $260 million in damages.
Tyler Perry has denied all allegations. His legal team described the lawsuit as “a scam” and “a shakedown,” stating the claims are baseless and defamatory. They vowed to challenge the lawsuit and clear Perry’s name.
This case casts a shadow over Perry’s vast media empire, known for empowering Black creatives and producing hit shows. Whether the lawsuit leads to a legal reckoning or gets dismissed, it signals growing tensions around power dynamics in entertainment.
In an industry where power can shape or shatter dreams, this lawsuit is a sobering reminder of how fragile trust can be behind the scenes.
