Latest news with #Ruthless'
India Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Derek Dixon sues Tyler Perry for $260 million over alleged sexual assault
Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit over allegations of sexual assault and harassment, filed by fellow 'The Oval' actor Derek to a report in the Associated Press, in the lawsuit, Perry allegedly abused his power to sexually exploit Dixon. It claims that Perry created a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" between them while Dixon was working on the filmmaker's shows 'The Oval' and 'Ruthless'.advertisementThe complaint further alleges that Perry "initially promised 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 when Mr Dixon did not reciprocate Mr Perry's unwanted advances."Perry's lawyer, Matthew Boyd claimed that the allegations are false. 'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam," Boyd said in a statement on Tuesday. 'But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,' he further added. The lawsuit claims that Perry and Dixon first met in 2019, when the 'Ruthless' actor was a part of the event staff at a party hosted by Perry. The filmmaker later offered an audition to then appeared in a small role in the series 'Ruthless' before getting a bigger role in the political drama 'The Oval'.The lawsuits also contain several screenshots of Perry sending unwanted sexual text messages to Dixon. 'What's it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?' one of the messages says.'The Oval' actor filed a complaint in 2024 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; however, he quit the show after not getting any 55-year-old actor has written and directed many television series, including 'The Oval'. His first major creation was the 'Madea' film franchise, and he has since built a major production empire in both television and film. He has also appeared in movies such as 'Gone Girl' and 'Don't Look Up'.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tyler Perry sexual assault charges: ‘The Oval' actor Derek Dixion accuses Perry—hits the actor-filmmaker with a 260 million dollar lawsuit
Derek Dixon, popular actor from 'The Oval,' has filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault in a bombshell reveal. He shared the ordeal of meeting Perry in 2019, getting cast in 'The Oval,' and even receiving allegedly sexually suggestive messages from the filmmaker as well. Derek Dixon files a lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault On the charges of sexual assault, Dixon, who is known for projects like 'Ruthless' and 'Losing It,' has filed a 260 million dollar lawsuit against Tyler Perry, as per TMZ reports. The star alleged that they met for the first time in 2019 during an event party where the actor was sought out by Perry on purpose. The two had shared numbers, after which Perry had scored him a minor role on 'Ruthless.' The story continued in 2020, when he alleges that Tyler invited him over to his home, where Derek drank too much and fell asleep due to his inebriated state. He shared that Tyler got into the same bed with him and attempted to touch his thighs. Despite refusing his advances, Perry persisted and remained involved. Dixon also shared that in the reports that later on, another incident occurred in 2020 in Tyler Perry's home in Atlanta, where the actor was invited. He shared that Perry turned the conversation between the two towards asking inappropriate questions like if he "likes it rough in bed." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Afterwards, Tyler had grabbed Dixon by his throat and had said, "Look how excited you just got" to him. The actor stated that he pushed the 'House of Payne' director away, and the incident came to an end there. Sexually suggestive messages shared by Tyler Perry Furthermore, Dixion detailed that after landing his pivotal role as Dale in 'The Oval,' he started receiving suggestive and questionable messages from Perry. He alleges that the 'Straw' director would send him odd texts about how he gets involved with men and had even asked him about his sexual preferences as well. Dixon claims he feared losing his job Dixon also alleged that Tyler used his power and influence in the industry to exploit him and create a 'coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.' He shared that his 'The Oval' character has also been written as a gay and homeless man who sleeps around with people for places to stay. He alleges that Perry shared that he was also seeking a similar partner, someone who was dependent and loyal to the actor and filmmaker. In a bout of fear, rather than reporting the matter, Derek shared that he refused the advances by saying he was not "the sexual type." Dixon alleges that Perry 'groped' him in 2021 The actor also alleges that Tyler Perry groped him and said, "Relax and just let it happen" to him while he was staying in the director's guest house. He shared that to deflect the situation, he refused the advances and changed the subject as well. Perry's legal aid issues statement In response to the lawsuit filed against Perry, his legal aid and lawyer, Matthew Boyd, issued a statement. He stated that 'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam, but Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.'
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First Post
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
American actor Tyler Perry sued by co-star for sexual assault and harassment- Details inside
The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on 85 episodes of the BET series, seeks at least $260 million in damages. read more An actor who worked on the Tyler Perry-created TV drama 'The Oval' has filed a lawsuit alleging Perry leveraged his industry power to repeatedly sexually assault and harass him while keeping him quiet. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on 85 episodes of the BET series, seeks at least $260 million in damages. '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,' the lawsuit says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The lawsuit was filed Friday and first reported Tuesday by TMZ. Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, said its allegations are false. 'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,' Boyd said in a statement Tuesday. 'But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.' The lawsuit says that Perry first noticed Dixon in 2019 when Dixon was part of the event staff at a Perry party, and later offered an audition. Dixon would first appear in a small role on the Perry series 'Ruthless' before getting the bigger role on the political drama 'The Oval.' Perry soon began sending unwanted sexual text messages to Dixon, according to the lawsuit, which includes screenshots of several of them. 'What's it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?' one of the messages says. The lawsuit says Perry offered Dixon an increasingly prominent role on the show as his sexual advances became more aggressive. The actor says he tried to remain friendly while maintaining boundaries. 'Dixon did his best to tiptoe around Mr. Perry's sexual aggression while keeping on Mr. Perry's good side,' the lawsuit says. '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.'' The lawsuit says Perry eventually sexually assaulted Dixon on 'multiple occasions,' including an instance where he 'forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon's clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dixon clearly told Perry 'No,' but was initially ignored until he was able to de-escalate the situation and change the subject, according to the lawsuit. The following day, Perry apologized, and told Dixon he would work with Dixon on a TV pilot Dixon was seeking to produce. Dixon later received a raise that the lawsuit suggests was part of an attempt to keep him quiet. He said the fear of his character dying kept him quiet as intended. Perry also produced and bought the rights to the pilot, called 'Losing It,' but the lawsuit alleges Perry had no intention of selling the show and was using it only for leverage over Dixon. The lawsuit describes several other assaults, including one where Dixon was staying in a guest room of Perry's house when Perry climbed into bed with him uninvited and began groping him, the lawsuit alleges. Dixon would eventually move from Atlanta, home to Perry's production studio, to Los Angeles to put distance between the two of them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dixon in 2024 filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and when that didn't result in any action from the show's producers, he quit. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Dixon has. 'The Oval' is one of many television series executive produced by, written by and directed by the 55-year-old Perry, who first became known as creator and star of the 'Madea' films and has since built a major production empire in TV and movies. As an actor he has also appeared in the films 'Gone Girl' and 'Don't Look Up.'
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tyler Perry faces lawsuit over sexual harassment and assault allegations
Tyler Perry is being sued by a former co-worker Image: Supplied Tyler Perry was accused of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Perry for years. In a complaint filed Friday, June 13, Dixon alleges that Perry created 'a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic' with Dixon while they worked on 'The Oval,' a BET drama series produced by Perry. Dixon has sued Perry for quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery, among other claims. He is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial. Representatives for Dixon pointed to the lawsuit when reached for comment. In the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of '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 when Dixon did not reciprocate Perry's unwanted advances,' according to the lawsuit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Actor, filmmaker and author Tyler Perry. Image: Amy Sussman/Invision/AP Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, denied any wrongdoing by Perry in a statement: 'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.' In the 46-page lawsuit, Dixon alleges that he met Perry in September 2019 while working for an event company in Atlanta organizing a party for Perry's studio. Over the next few months, Perry allegedly texted Dixon about helping him find a job and change his life. He was offered a role as the character Dale in Perry's show 'Ruthless' in November 2019, according to the lawsuit. The two continued to exchange messages throughout the winter, the suit says. In January 2020, months after Dixon took on the 'Ruthless' role, Dixon was invited to Perry's home in Georgia, where Perry allegedly sexually assaulted Dixon. After the incident, Dixon ignored Perry's messages until Perry offered him a series regular role on 'The Oval,' according to the suit. 'Dixon was intrigued, hoping this would be the big break he was looking for and a chance to showcase his acting talent.,' the complaint said. In March 2020, while reading a script about his character in 'The Oval,' Dixon realized his character's fate was left uncertain, the lawsuit says. Dixon then believed that Perry would make the character die if Dixon 'ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos,' the suit said. CHARACTER: Tyler Perry as Madea Image: Supplied Dixon also alleged that Perry aggressively groped Dixon in a sexual manner during a cast trip in October 2020. The sexual harassment, according to the lawsuit, continued into 2021 with Perry allegedly sending Dixon photos of Dixon's body from the set of 'The Oval' with sexually suggestive comments. In June of that year, Dixon alleges, Perry invited him to his home to discuss a show that Dixon wanted to produce. He accused Perry of sexually assaulting him at that meeting. In 2023, the lawsuit said, Dixon told Perry that he was moving away from Atlanta to California to put distance between them. Dixon's lawsuit said he gave up a full payment of almost $400,000 when he left 'The Oval' in its final season. According to the complaint, Dixon 'continued to put up with' Perry's advances due to fear for his career. The complaint also alleges that Dixon visited a doctor who told him he had suffered insomnia, stomach issues and levels of stress. He was supplied Zoloft to deal with the stress, according to the lawsuit.
Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tyler Perry sued by actor on ‘The Oval' for sexual assault and harassment
An actor who worked on the Tyler Perry-created TV drama 'The Oval' has filed a lawsuit alleging Perry leveraged his industry power to repeatedly sexually assault and harass him while keeping him quiet. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared on 85 episodes of the BET series, seeks at least $260 million in damages. '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,' the lawsuit says. The lawsuit was filed Friday and first reported Tuesday by TMZ. Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, said its allegations are false. 'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,' Boyd said in a statement Tuesday. 'But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.' The lawsuit says that Perry first noticed Dixon in 2019 when Dixon was part of the event staff at a Perry party, and later offered an audition. Dixon would first appear in a small role on the Perry series 'Ruthless' before getting the bigger role on the political drama 'The Oval.' Perry soon began sending unwanted sexual text messages to Dixon, according to the lawsuit, which includes screenshots of several of them. 'What's it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?' one of the messages says. The lawsuit says Perry offered Dixon an increasingly prominent role on the show as his sexual advances became more aggressive. The actor says he tried to remain friendly while maintaining boundaries. 'Dixon did his best to tiptoe around Mr. Perry's sexual aggression while keeping on Mr. Perry's good side,' the lawsuit says. '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.'' The lawsuit says Perry eventually sexually assaulted Dixon on 'multiple occasions,' including an instance where he 'forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon's clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon.' Dixon clearly told Perry 'No,' but was initially ignored until he was able to de-escalate the situation and change the subject, according to the lawsuit. The following day, Perry apologized, and told Dixon he would work with Dixon on a TV pilot Dixon was seeking to produce. Dixon later received a raise that the lawsuit suggests was part of an attempt to keep him quiet. He said the fear of his character dying kept him quiet as intended. Perry also produced and bought the rights to the pilot, called 'Losing It,' but the lawsuit alleges Perry had no intention of selling the show and was using it only for leverage over Dixon. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. The lawsuit describes several other assaults, including one where Dixon was staying in a guest room of Perry's house when Perry climbed into bed with him uninvited and began groping him, the lawsuit alleges. Dixon would eventually move from Atlanta, home to Perry's production studio, to Los Angeles to put distance between the two of them. Dixon in 2024 filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and when that didn't result in any action from the show's producers, he quit. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Dixon has. 'The Oval' is one of many television series executive produced by, written by and directed by the 55-year-old Perry, who first became known as creator and star of the 'Madea' films and has since built a major production empire in TV and movies. As an actor he has also appeared in the films 'Gone Girl' and 'Don't Look Up.'
