Actor Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry Over Alleged Harassment
Actor Derek Dixon has filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging sexual assault and harassment, and is seeking $260 million in damages.
A report by TMZ from June 17 indicates that Dixon, known for his role in “Oval,” claims that Perry has harassed him for several years. He says that in 2019, Perry approached him during an event, pretending to discuss a potential acting role, and asked for his phone number. Although Dixon later secured minor parts in two episodes of “Russia,” he asserts that their interactions took a troubling turn as they spent more time together. Dixon’s allegations include multiple instances of sexual harassment, such as inappropriate touching, explicit text messages, and unwanted advances.
During a visit to Perry’s home in January 2020, Dixon claimed he consumed too much alcohol and ended up in a guest room, where Perry allegedly climbed into bed with him and touched his thighs. According to TMZ, Dixon did not consent to further actions.
After joining “The Oval,” Dixon faced further harassment, with Perry reportedly sending sexually suggestive messages, including inquiries about his sexual preferences and past encounters with men. Some of these texts, as mentioned in court documents, contained explicit and vulgar propositions.
Dixon’s character in the show “elliptical” was depicted as a gay homeless store clerk, which he alleges mirrors Perry’s inappropriate expectations for a relationship—essentially seeking someone who would be loyal and dependent on him.
On a trip to Atlanta in 2020, Dixon claims an unsettling incident occurred where Perry suggested roughness in bed and grabbed him by the throat, which led to Dixon pushing him away.
One of the most serious accusations in the lawsuit dates back to June 2021. Dixon alleges that during a supposed goodnight hug at Perry’s home, he was only in his underwear, and Perry groped him while instructing him to relax.
Dixon lodged a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2024, resigning from “elliptical” due to the intolerable harassment he faced.
In response, Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, stated that Dixon approached Perry with the intention of committing fraud and expressed confidence that the harassment claims would be dismissed.
