Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Actor Derek Dixon
Hollywood mogul accused of coercion, harassment, and professional retaliation
Tyler Perry, one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers and producers, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges a series of sexual assaults, harassment, and retaliation spanning over two years while working on Perry’s productions. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, marks a significant legal challenge for the entertainment icon and the brand he has built through Tyler Perry Studios.
Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s series Ruthless and later landed a key role in The Oval, claims that his professional relationship with Perry was entangled with coercive and sexually exploitative behavior. He alleges that Perry used promises of career advancement to manipulate him into unwanted sexual situations from late 2019 through mid-2021.
Alleged Abuse Began with Career Offers and Escalated at Perry’s Atlanta Home
According to the court documents, Dixon first encountered Perry at a studio event in Atlanta. After receiving an initial acting opportunity, Perry allegedly invited Dixon to his home in January 2020. That night, Dixon says he drank excessively and was offered a guest room, only to awaken to Perry entering his bed and touching his thighs. Although Dixon rejected the advance, he was later offered a more significant role on The Oval.
Dixon alleges that Perry then began sending sexually suggestive messages, including one that read, “No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to fk you. I would fk you.” The actor claims he felt pressured to comply with Perry’s advances to avoid jeopardizing his role and income.
The lawsuit details a second alleged incident at Perry’s Atlanta home, where Perry reportedly asked Dixon if he “liked it rough in bed” before grabbing him by the throat. The most serious allegation involves an incident in June 2021, where Perry allegedly entered Dixon’s guest bedroom, pulled down his underwear, groped his buttocks, and said, “Relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon says he endured continued harassment for two more years before filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024. He later left The Oval, a move he claims resulted in a loss of approximately $400,000 in earnings.
The lawsuit names Tyler Perry and Tyler Perry Studios as defendants and accuses them of quid pro quo sexual harassment, battery, and professional retaliation. Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages.
Legal Teams Brace for High-Stakes Battle
Tyler Perry’s legal team has categorically denied the allegations. Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the claims as “fabricated,” stating, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam.”
In response, Dixon’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, maintained that “the lawsuit speaks for itself” and urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed.
As the case unfolds, it threatens to cast a long shadow over one of Hollywood’s most prolific creative forces. Perry, known for building an entertainment empire through faith-based films and television shows, has yet to issue a personal statement.
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