Media titan Tyler Perry is at the center of a shocking $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, a former cast member of Perry’s hit BET series The Oval. In court documents filed this week, Dixon alleges a pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and coercive behavior that spanned several years… accusations Perry’s legal team has labeled a “shakedown.”
According to the lawsuit, Dixon first met Perry in 2019 at an industry event. He claims Perry personally approached him, expressed interest in his acting potential, and later offered him a minor role on the spinoff series Ruthless.
Shortly thereafter, Dixon says he was invited to Perry’s Atlanta home under the impression of building a professional friendship… one he hoped would open doors in his career. However, what began as a career opportunity allegedly took a disturbing turn.
Dixon says that during a 2020 visit to Perry’s home, he passed out in a guest room after drinking, only to awaken with Perry allegedly touching his thighs. Though he rejected the alleged advance, Dixon claims the behavior escalated over time… even after he was cast as Dale, a recurring character on The Oval.
He describes a string of sexually charged text messages from Perry, including one stating, “No straight man would be cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to f*** you. I would f*** you.” Dixon also alleges that Perry began drawing disturbing parallels between his character… a gay, homeless clerk forced into compromising situations… and what Perry sought in a personal partner.
The lawsuit details multiple alleged incidents, including one in which Perry allegedly asked Dixon if he “likes it rough in bed,” then grabbed him by the throat. In another 2021 encounter, Dixon claims Perry groped him while urging him to “relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon says fear of professional retaliation kept him silent… until he filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2024 and ultimately quit the show. The lawsuit names both Tyler Perry and Tyler Perry Studios, citing sexual assault, harassment, and abuse of power in the workplace. Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages for emotional distress, career impact, and alleged violations of labor law.
In a statement to the media, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, called the allegations “completely fabricated,” claiming Dixon is attempting to exploit a personal connection for financial gain. “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. “Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
This developing legal saga has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising urgent questions about power, consent, and accountability… even at the highest levels of Hollywood. Fans and media outlets alike are watching closely to see how this case unfolds.
