Here's What's Going On With The Tyler Perry Sexual Assault Allegations
Warning: Discussion of sexual harassment and assault.
Tyler Perry has been sued by an actor on The Oval, alleging sexual harassment and assault.
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Derek Dixon, who played Dale in 85 episodes of the drama created, written, and directed by Perry, is seeking $260 million in damages. According to the lawsuit, they first met in 2020 when Dixon was working at one of Perry's parties. Dixon would go on to play a small role in the Perry-helmed Ruthless before his role in The Oval.
Screenshots of text messages Perry purportedly sent Dixon are in the complaint, reportedly unwanted and sexual in nature. Dixon alleges that the behavior then escalated to "multiple occasions" of sexual assault.
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As per AP News, the lawsuit reads, "Mr. Perry took his success and power and used his considerable influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic with Mr. Dixon — initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show, only to subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation."
'Dixon did his best to tiptoe around Mr. Perry's sexual aggression while keeping on Mr. Perry's good side,' the lawsuit reads. 'Mr. Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendoes, Dixon's character would 'die' in the next season." Dixon further reportedly filed an EEOC complaint in 2024, after which he left the show.
Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, denied the allegations. "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,' he said in a statement. 'But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.'
A representative for Tyler Perry declined to comment further on the allegations.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
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