Los Angeles | June 18, 2025
Hollywood tycoon Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million civil lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, a former cast member on Perry’s hit BET drama The Oval. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on June 13, accuses Perry of sexual assault, workplace harassment, emotional manipulation, and professional retaliation.
The complaint claims Perry used his influence to force Dixon into an inappropriate personal relationship and retaliated when Dixon rejected his advances. “He told me, ‘You either do what I want, or your character dies,’” Dixon alleges in court documents, referring to an ultimatum Perry allegedly made regarding his role on the show. The complaint seeks $260 million in damages for emotional distress, lost income, and professional defamation.
Derek Dixon Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit: What Has Happened?
One complaint details how Mr. Perry invited Mr. Dixon to his Georgia home, where both had a drink, and Perry escorted him to a guest room under the guise of care. That night, Perry allegedly got into bed with Dixon and began rubbing his inner thigh in a sexual manner. In a more violent incident, Perry allegedly pulled off Dixon’s underwear, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on him—even after Dixon said “No.”
Perry also allegedly sent Dixon a string of sexually suggestive texts. One message reads: “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” Dixon claims Perry significantly ramped up these messages as his role on The Oval grew, creating a professional power imbalance. After the assault, Perry allegedly apologized and promised to produce and support Dixon’s personal project, a pilot titled Losing It. Dixon received a raise—allegedly as hush money—but Perry never followed through on producing or selling the pilot. Instead, he abandoned the project and cut ties with him.
Before filing the civil lawsuit, Dixon says he reported the alleged harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2024. He claims no corrective action was taken by Perry’s team or studio, prompting his resignation and eventual move from Georgia to Los Angeles.
Tyler Perry’s Legal Response
Perry, through his legal team, has categorically denied all allegations. In a statement, his attorney Matthew Boyd called the lawsuit “a blatant and fabricated attempt to extort one of America’s most respected creative leaders.” “Mr. Perry has never engaged in any such behavior. These claims are false, offensive, and will be vigorously challenged in court,” the statement read. So far, Perry has not been criminally charged in connection with these claims.
Dixon’s case also underscores an often overlooked issue: male-on-male harassment in entertainment settings. Legal and media analysts suggest that the case could significantly impact how similar claims are handled, particularly when the alleged abuser holds substantial creative and financial power over the victim. “If this case goes to trial, it may open the door for more male actors to come forward,” said an unnamed entertainment lawyer familiar with harassment cases in Hollywood.
