Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against media mogul Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation during Dixon’s time working on Perry’s BET shows The Oval and Ruthless.
Filed on Friday, June 13, in Los Angeles and obtained by PEOPLE, the lawsuit alleges that Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon under the pretense of career advancement. Dixon, who played the character Dale on both series, claims Perry initially offered him professional opportunities—such as producing his pilot and casting him—before subjecting him to escalating sexual advances and retaliatory behavior when those advances were rebuffed.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd said in a statement to PEOPLE. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
According to the complaint, Dixon first met Perry in September 2019 while working at the opening event for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Over the following months, Perry allegedly sent Dixon frequent messages, some of which included suggestive remarks, while also offering to help launch his career. In November 2019, Perry reportedly cast Dixon in a minor role on Ruthless.
Dixon alleges the first instance of sexual assault occurred at Perry’s home in January 2020. The following month, he was offered a series regular role on The Oval. He claims Perry later used the fate of his character, Dale, as leverage—implying that his survival on the show depended on Dixon’s willingness to tolerate Perry’s sexual advances. At the end of Dixon’s first season, the character was shot four times, which Dixon says was held over him as a threat.
In one particularly disturbing incident after filming the shooting scene, Dixon alleges Perry invited him to his trailer, pinned him against a wall, and groped his buttocks aggressively. He also claims similar misconduct occurred during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020.
The complaint states that by December 2020, Dixon’s health had deteriorated significantly due to the stress of the alleged harassment. A doctor diagnosed him with symptoms of acute stress, insomnia, stomach issues, and low cortisol levels, prescribing the antidepressant Zoloft.
In June 2021, Perry reportedly invited Dixon to his home again to discuss producing Dixon’s pilot Losing It, but Dixon alleges another sexual assault occurred during that meeting. He says he was later offered a raise and further promises regarding Losing It by Perry’s associates in exchange for returning to The Oval.
In January 2023, Dixon informed Perry he was relocating to California to distance himself. He ultimately left The Oval during its final season, claiming the decision cost him nearly $400,000 in earnings.
The lawsuit accuses Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation, among other charges. Dixon is demanding a jury trial and seeking $260 million in damages.
As of now, Tyler Perry has not personally commented on the lawsuit.
