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Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, a former cast member of Perry’s hit BET drama The Oval. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Perry of a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation spanning several years.
Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of The Oval, alleges that Perry abused his power as an industry heavyweight to manipulate, exploit, and control him under the guise of offering professional advancement. The actor claims that what began as inappropriate messages from Perry soon escalated into unwanted sexual advances and repeated sexual assaults.
According to legal documents filed by Dixon’s legal team, the two first met in 2019 at a private event hosted by Perry. Following their initial encounter, Perry allegedly initiated a string of inappropriate communications. These messages reportedly continued for months and, over time, intensified in tone and content. Dixon claims he made clear on several occasions that the advances were unwelcome, but Perry allegedly persisted.
Tyler Perry Sued for $260 Million by Actor Derek Dixon Over Alleged Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
The complaint outlines several incidents in which Perry is accused of making physical advances toward Dixon without consent. Despite Dixon’s objections, he alleges that Tyler Perry used his position as a powerful producer and director to maintain influence over him. The lawsuit states that Perry dangled the prospect of professional growth—offering raises, increased screen time, and even a shot at producing Dixon’s own creative work—as a means to manipulate and silence him.
One of the more serious claims in the lawsuit involves a pilot script written by Dixon, titled Losing It. According to Dixon, Tyler Perry purchased the rights to the pilot, giving him hope that it would be developed into a series. However, Dixon alleges Perry had no intention of producing the show. Instead, he claims the purchase was a tactic to keep him under control and leverage his silence.
The complaint includes screenshots of alleged text messages and emails between Dixon and Tyler Perry. Some of these messages, Dixon asserts, include apologies from Perry after alleged incidents of misconduct. Despite this, the actor claims Perry continued to try to maintain a hold over his career by promising further roles and financial incentives.
In response to the lawsuit, Perry’s legal team issued a firm denial. Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, called the accusations “completely fabricated” and described the lawsuit as a “scam” designed to extort money from one of Hollywood’s most successful figures.
“Tyler will not be shaken down,” Boyd stated in a press release issued Tuesday. “We are confident these baseless and fabricated claims of harassment and assault will fail in court. Mr. Perry has built a legacy of integrity, and he stands by his innocence.”
Boyd further accused Dixon of attempting to damage Tyler Perry’s reputation in a calculated move to gain financial and public leverage. The legal team also suggested that the timing of the lawsuit may be strategic, potentially aimed at disrupting Perry’s ongoing business ventures and upcoming projects.
The lawsuit is already drawing national media attention, not only due to Perry’s high-profile status in the entertainment industry but also because it marks a rare instance of a male actor accusing a male industry figure of sexual misconduct. Advocates for survivors of abuse have emphasized the importance of taking all allegations seriously, regardless of the genders involved, and some legal observers have pointed out the broader implications this case could have in Hollywood, where power dynamics often go unchecked.
Meanwhile, supporters of Tyler Perry have expressed skepticism about the claims, with some industry insiders suggesting the lawsuit may be an attempt to tarnish his image. Tyler Perry, a prominent figure in Black entertainment and philanthropy, has long been regarded as a self-made success story who built an empire from humble beginnings.
Despite the controversy, BET has not yet released a statement regarding the lawsuit or its potential impact on The Oval or Perry’s ongoing partnership with the network.
The case is expected to move forward in the coming months, with both sides preparing for a legal showdown that could reveal further details about the alleged misconduct, the nature of Dixon and Perry’s professional relationship, and the broader cultural issues surrounding accountability in the entertainment industry.