Tyler Perry denies sexual assault claims in $260 million lawsuit filed by Oval actor Derek Dixon
Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of Perry's BET drama The Oval. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses the filmmaker of repeated sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation. Dixon claims Perry used his influence to promise career opportunities in exchange for compliance, ultimately exploiting his position of power.
According to the complaint, Perry allegedly began sending inappropriate messages after first meeting Dixon in 2019 at a private event. Over the following years, Dixon alleges the advances escalated to sexual assault on multiple occasions, despite his clear objections. The lawsuit includes screenshots of messages and claims Perry later apologized and attempted to maintain control by offering Dixon a pay raise and promises to develop a pilot Dixon had written, titled Losing It. Dixon alleges Perry purchased the rights to the pilot with no intention of producing it, using it as leverage instead.
In a statement issued to the press on Tuesday, Perry's attorney Matthew Boyd rejected the allegations, calling them 'fabricated' and accusing Dixon of orchestrating a scam. 'Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,' Boyd stated.
Dixon says he initially remained quiet due to fear of professional consequences, including his character being written off the show. He later moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles and filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2024. After receiving no resolution, he resigned from the series.
Tyler Perry, best known for creating the Madea franchise and for his influential role in film and television production, has not personally commented on the lawsuit. The Associated Press noted it typically does not name individuals in sexual assault cases unless they come forward publicly, which Dixon has done.
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