Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct and Abuse of Power

Tyler Perry, acclaimed filmmaker and creator of the BET series The Oval, is facing a lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of the show. The lawsuit accuses Perry of using his industry influence to sexually harass and assault Dixon.

According to the complaint, one alleged incident occurred in June 2021 at Perry’s guesthouse, where Perry, reportedly intoxicated, groped Dixon. The lawsuit also includes a pattern of inappropriate behavior, including sexually charged text messages and repeated propositions over the years.

Power Imbalance and Workplace Harassment Alleged in Tyler Perry-Dixon Legal Dispute

Dixon claims that Perry first showed interest in him after meeting at an Atlanta studio event in 2019. Perry allegedly offered Dixon a role on a show and invited him to various gatherings, eventually extending invitations to his home. During one such visit, Dixon states he was pressured into staying overnight due to drinking and was later subjected to unwanted advances by Perry.

According to the complaint, Dixon tried to maintain professionalism and avoid conflict while also protecting his career prospects, feeling trapped in a power imbalance.

The lawsuit outlines a toxic work environment, alleging Perry continued to make sexually inappropriate comments and inquiries on set after casting Dixon on The Oval. Dixon claims he feared for his role and career if he resisted Perry’s behavior. The power dynamic left him feeling that any rejection could lead to the premature end of his character or professional retaliation. This ongoing pressure contributed to what Dixon describes as a hostile and emotionally distressing work atmosphere.

Alleged Assault Tied to Show Pitch Sparks $260M Suit and Fierce Legal Denial

Further claims in the lawsuit involve a script Dixon wrote for a show titled Losing It, which Perry purportedly promised to produce. Dixon alleges that when he visited Perry’s home in June 2021 to discuss the show, Perry instead used the meeting to initiate another unwanted sexual encounter. The complaint states that Perry later apologized, blaming testosterone supplements for his actions, and reiterated his commitment to the show — a promise Dixon now believes was insincere and manipulative.

Dixon’s lawsuit includes charges of sexual harassment, sexual assault, emotional distress, and retaliation, seeking at least $260 million in punitive damages. In response, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has dismissed the claims as a “shakedown,” alleging that Dixon is fabricating the accusations to extort money.

Boyd stated that Perry will not succumb to what he views as a scam and expressed confidence that the claims would not hold up in court. The case has sparked significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and Perry’s high profile in the entertainment industry.