Actor Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry for $260 Million Over Alleged Sexual Harassment and Assault

Actor Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry for $260 Million Over Alleged Sexual Harassment and Assault

Actor Derek Dixon has filed a civil lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, seeking $260 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Perry of sexual harassment, assault, workplace retaliation, and the creation of a coercive work environment.

Key Allegations

Dixon alleges that the alleged misconduct began after he met Perry at a private event in 2019 and that Perry later offered him roles in Ruthless and The Oval.

According to the complaint, Perry sent sexually suggestive text messages and made promises of career advancement in exchange for compliance with inappropriate sexual advances.

Physical misconduct alleged includes instances where Dixon was allegedly groped, had his clothing forcibly removed, and was touched in non-consensual ways, including an incident in Perry’s home. Dixon claims that his character on The Oval hinged on cooperating with these advances, and that refusal would lead to professional retaliation.

Dixon also claims the situation caused severe emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as financial loss when he eventually left The Oval due to the abuse.

Perry’s Response

Tyler Perry, through his attorney Matthew Boyd, has denied the allegations. Perry’s representatives have called the lawsuit a “scam,” asserting that the claims are false and expressing confidence that the case will not succeed in court.