Tyler Perry Sued for $260M Over Sexual Assault Allegation
Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault by Actor Derek Dixon
Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses the media tycoon of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation during their working relationship on Perry’s television shows The Oval and Ruthless.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Perry used his influence and power within the entertainment industry to manipulate and exploit Dixon under the guise of advancing his acting career.
Dixon alleges that the relationship turned toxic after he rejected Perry’s repeated sexual advances, resulting in professional threats and retaliatory actions.
According to the legal documents, the two first met in 2019 at a Tyler Perry Studios event in Atlanta, where they began discussing Dixon’s career ambitions.
Over time, Perry allegedly made numerous explicit sexual remarks, offered career opportunities, and later cast Dixon in roles on Ruthless and The Oval.
However, Dixon claims the opportunities came with unspoken conditions tied to sexual compliance.
The complaint states that Perry warned Dixon that failure to reciprocate or entertain his sexual innuendos would lead to his character being killed off.
Specifically, Dixon, who portrayed the character “Dale” on The Oval, was allegedly told that his survival on the show depended on “keeping Perry happy.”
One of the most serious allegations in the lawsuit describes a disturbing incident on set where Perry allegedly cornered Dixon in a trailer, interrogated him about his sexual preferences, and then pinned him against a wall before groping him.
Dixon says he managed to escape the situation and later refused further roles or writing opportunities offered by Perry, fearing continued harassment.
In response, Matthew Boyd, Perry’s legal counsel, strongly denied the claims, calling them “a calculated scam designed to extort money.” In a statement to the BBC, Boyd said, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims will fail.”
The lawsuit underscores a growing conversation about abuse of power within the entertainment industry, where aspiring actors may find themselves vulnerable in high-stakes professional environments.
Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages for emotional distress, loss of income, reputational harm, and alleged civil rights violations.
As of now, Tyler Perry has not personally responded to the allegations, and no criminal charges have been filed.
Legal proceedings are pending, and the case is expected to attract widespread media attention given Perry’s high profile and influence in Hollywood.
Tyler Perry Sued for $260M Over Sexual Assault Allegation