Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has been hit with a $260 million lawsuit filed by fellow actor Derek Dixon, who alleges sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation. Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless, claims the abuse took place during his tenure on the sets of both series.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the lawsuit alleges that Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic,” using his influence in the industry to manipulate Dixon with false promises of career advancement. The complaint states that Perry initially offered Dixon opportunities, including producing his pilot and casting him, but later subjected him to escalating harassment when the actor did not reciprocate his alleged advances.
Dixon claims he first met Perry in 2019 while working event staff at a party hosted by the director. Following their meeting, Perry reportedly offered Dixon an audition, leading to roles in Ruthless and later a more prominent part in The Oval. Screenshots included in the legal filing reportedly show Perry sending Dixon sexually suggestive messages. One such message allegedly reads, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?”
Dixon also filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2024 but left the show after failing to see any resolution. He is now pursuing damages in court.
Perry’s legal team has categorically denied the allegations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, stated: “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Tyler Perry, now 55, is one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, known for creating the Madea film franchise and for building a media empire that spans television, film, and theatre. His production house has produced major shows including The Oval, which airs on BET, and Ruthless, a spinoff. As of now, no formal charges have been filed, and the lawsuit remains under legal review. The case adds to a growing list of high-profile legal battles in the entertainment industry involving workplace misconduct and power imbalance.
