ATLANTA — Tyler Perry, one of Hollywood’s most successful filmmakers, is facing explosive claims of sexual misconduct from a former actor on one of his television dramas. The allegations, laid out in a $260 million lawsuit, accuse the media mogul of years of inappropriate behaviour, manipulation and sexual assault.
The lawsuit was filed this week by Derek Dixon, who played Dale on BET’s The Oval, a series created and produced by Perry. In court documents seen by The New York Times, Dixon says Perry abused his influence in the workplace to exploit him, alleging incidents that spanned from 2019 to 2021.
“He used his power to get close to me,” Dixon claims in the suit. “I felt trapped between my dreams and my safety.”
From Promise to Pressure
According to Dixon, their first meeting took place at an industry event in 2019. He says Perry approached him directly and offered what appeared to be a promising opportunity: a role on Ruthless, another series under the Tyler Perry Studios banner.
Soon after, Perry allegedly invited Dixon to his Atlanta home, where, the actor claims, things took a troubling turn. Dixon says he drank too much that night and was offered a guest room to sleep in. Later, he alleges, Perry entered the room, got into bed with him and began touching him inappropriately. Dixon says he rejected the advances.
Despite that, Dixon says he was offered the role of Dale in The Oval shortly thereafter. But with the role came what he describes as a pattern of sexually suggestive texts and escalating behaviour.
Text Messages and Disturbing Claims
The lawsuit includes a series of messages Dixon says Perry sent over several years. In one message, Perry allegedly wrote: “No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to f** you. I would f*** you.”*
Dixon says he tried to navigate the situation carefully, aware of the risks to his budding career. “I wasn’t the sexual type,” he reportedly told Perry, but feared retaliation if he formally complained.
The most serious allegation centres on an incident in June 2021. Dixon says he was staying in a guesthouse on Perry’s property, wearing only his underwear, when the filmmaker entered to say goodnight. He claims Perry pulled down his underwear and groped him, allegedly saying, “Relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon says he defused the moment by changing the subject.
Formal Complaint and Fallout
In June 2024, Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), claiming the harassment had become unbearable. He later left the show.
Now, he is suing Perry and his company, Tyler Perry Studios, for sexual assault, battery and workplace harassment. The suit seeks $260 million in damages.
Perry’s Response
Perry has not spoken publicly about the case. However, his lawyer, Matthew Boyd, issued a strong denial. “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. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Industry Reaction
The entertainment industry has responded cautiously, with no major networks or studios commenting publicly. Legal experts note that while such high-profile cases often spark media frenzy, the facts still need to be tested in court.
“This is not just about celebrity,” said Dr. Elaine Carter, a legal analyst who focuses on workplace law. “It’s about whether someone in power crossed the line and whether the system did enough to protect those affected.”
What Comes Next
As of now, the case remains in its early stages. No court date has been set, and neither Perry nor his legal team have filed a formal response in court. If the lawsuit proceeds, both parties will likely be called to give sworn testimony.
For Dixon, the road ahead may be long. “It’s not just about money,” he wrote in a social media post that has since been deleted. “It’s about telling the truth, even when it hurts.”
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
