Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing serious legal trouble after actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation.
The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, outlines disturbing allegations spanning from 2019 to 2021, during Dixon’s work on Perry’s popular series Ruthless and The Oval.
Dixon, who played recurring roles in both BET shows, claims the abuse began shortly after he met Perry at a studio event in Atlanta.
According to court filings, Perry initially offered Dixon a minor role before inviting him to his home in January 2020. Dixon alleges that after drinking heavily, he awoke to find Perry in his bed, touching his thighs. Although he says he rejected Perry’s advance that night, the actor soon received a more significant part in The Oval.
The complaint alleges Perry then used his influence to pursue Dixon sexually, sending suggestive messages and tying career opportunities to compliance. One explicit message cited in court reads: “No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to fk you. I would fk you.”
Things escalated further in a second alleged encounter, where Perry is accused of grabbing Dixon by the throat and making sexually aggressive remarks. The most severe incident, according to the lawsuit, occurred in June 2021. Dixon claims Perry entered his guest house room, forcibly pulled down his underwear, groped him, and said, “Relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon left The Oval in 2024, after filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging that resisting Perry’s advances led to the loss of nearly $400,000 in earnings. His legal team is now seeking $260 million in damages for sexual assault, battery, and quid pro quo harassment.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has dismissed the accusations as “fabricated” and accused Dixon of attempting a “scam for financial gain.”
Dixon’s lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad, insists the evidence will stand in court: “The lawsuit speaks for itself.”
The case marks a dramatic turn for Perry, known for his inspirational rags-to-riches story, and could significantly impact his personal brand and production empire if the allegations hold in court.
