Derek Dixon Files Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry
Actor Derek Dixon has initiated a lawsuit valued at $260 million against filmmaker Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation in his career.
The complaint, submitted in Los Angeles, alleges that while working on Perry’s television series, The Oval and Ruthless, Dixon experienced “forced, sexually exploitative dynamics.” He depicted a situation where Perry allegedly promised him creative opportunities and career advancements but also subjected him to harassment and assault when he didn’t respond to Perry’s advances.
The legal document states that Perry initially offered Dixon various creative opportunities, including casting him and producing his pilot, but these came with conditions that Dixon felt were inappropriate.
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the allegations, suggesting that Dixon’s motives appeared more like an attempt to set up a scam. Boyd expressed confidence that these accusations, which he termed unfounded, would not hold up in court.
Dixon claims that over several months, Perry often texted him with suggestive messages while proclaiming a desire to assist him professionally. In November 2019, Perry supposedly extended an offer for a minor role in Ruthless.
The lawsuit alleges that Perry sexually assaulted Dixon at his home in January 2020, and the following month, he was given a regular part in The Oval. However, Dixon noted that the script for his character left many details unresolved, especially regarding its fate.
According to the complaint, Perry hinted that if Dixon were to ignore his advances, his character would face dramatic consequences. Notably, at the end of the season, Dixon’s character “Dale” is shot multiple times, and Perry allegedly made comments suggesting that Dixon’s cooperation would affect his character’s survival.
After filming his character’s shooting scene, Dixon reported a troubling encounter with Perry in a trailer, where he claims Perry groped him. Similar allegations were made regarding an incident during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020.
Subsequently, legal documents reveal that in December 2020, Dixon sought medical attention for the stress caused by the harassment he endured. The physician noted that he was exhibiting severe symptoms related to the trauma, which included insomnia and anxiety, ultimately leading to a prescription for antidepressants.
Dixon further mentioned a specific meeting in June 2021 about a show he had pitched, where Perry allegedly assaulted him yet again. He expressed ongoing struggles with mental health, including depression and PTSD, following the alleged incidents.
Though Dixon remained involved with The Oval, he departed during its final season, claiming he lost significant income, estimating his losses to be around $400,000.
In his lawsuit, Dixon cites several claims against Perry, including sexual harassment and emotional distress. He seeks a trial and aims for $260 million in damages.
