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Actor Derek Dixon Files $260M Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment Against Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry Derek Dixon Sexual Assault

Published: June 18, 2025

Hollywood powerhouse Tyler Perry is facing shocking allegations.

Actor Derek Dixon—who appeared in both Ruthless and BET’s political drama The Oval—has filed a $260 million lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. According to Dixon, Perry used his vast influence over Dixon’s employment and career trajectory to manipulate and sexually exploit him over several years (theguardian.com).

Promises turned predatory

  • Initial contact (2019): Dixon, then working at an event for Perry’s Atlanta-based studio, was noticed by Perry. Shortly after, Dixon landed a role in Ruthless, then The Oval, based on promises of future opportunities (apnews.com).

  • Early pressure: The lawsuit claims Perry began sending overtly sexual texts, offering more prominent roles in exchange for intimacy. When Dixon tried to resist, Perry allegedly retaliated by threatening to eliminate his character from The Oval (amp.cnn.com).

  • First alleged assault (Jan 2020): Perry reportedly hosted Dixon at his Georgia home under the guise of camaraderie. However, once alone and inebriated, Dixon says Perry entered his bedroom and made unwelcome physical advances (kbtx.com).

A growing spiral of abuse

  • Work-related leverage: Following the incident, Dixon’s role on The Oval deepened. The lawsuit alleges Perry used this as leverage to control Dixon—telling him to quit other jobs and hinting his show-pilot Losing It would move forward if Dixon complied (ew.com).

  • More assaults: The complaint details multiple alleged groping and assault events, including in June 2021—where Dixon claims Perry forcibly removed his underwear and assaulted him (m.economictimes.com).

  • Emotional fallout: Dixon reports suffering severe anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, having even filed an EEOC complaint in approximately June 2024 and eventually exiting the show (fox5atlanta.com).

Legal claims & high stakes

The lawsuit, filed on June 13, alleges a laundry list of violations: quid pro quo harassment, sexual battery, gender-based workplace violence, emotional distress, and retaliation. Dixon seeks $260 million in damages and a jury trial (ew.com).

Perry’s response

Tyler Perry’s legal team vehemently rejects the claims. Attorney Matthew Boyd labels the case a “shakedown” and accuses Dixon of staging a scam. “These fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” Boyd stated (theguardian.com).

Why this matters

This case casts a spotlight on the alleged misuse of power within the entertainment industry—raising serious questions about whether Perry, a figure often celebrated for mentorship and influence, exploited emerging talent.

What’s next?

The matter now moves into the legal arena in Los Angeles, where Dixon has demanded a jury trial. As the court process unfolds, it’s likely more detailed testimony and evidence—including text records—will be brought to light, shaping both public perception and potential legal precedent.

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