Famed filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who claims that Perry subjected him to years of escalating sexual harassment, assault, and career retaliation while working on Perry’s popular television series The Oval.
Filed on June 13 in Los Angeles and made public June 17, the lawsuit accuses Perry — the multi-hyphenate creative force behind the Madea franchise and recent Netflix film Straw — of allegedly leveraging his professional power to coerce Dixon into a “sexually exploitative dynamic.” The complaint details alleged misconduct spanning over four years, from Dixon’s first encounter with Perry in 2019 through his eventual departure from The Oval during its sixth season.
Actor Claims Perry Used Power and Influence for Sexual Leverage
According to the lawsuit, Dixon first met Perry at the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios in September 2019. Shortly afterward, Perry allegedly offered Dixon acting opportunities, eventually casting him in Ruthless and then as a series regular on The Oval, which became Dixon’s most high-profile role to date. Dixon appeared in 85 episodes of the BET drama from 2021 to 2025.
However, Dixon asserts that this initial professional relationship quickly evolved into a troubling pattern of sexual harassment and coercion. The complaint accuses Perry of making his first sexual advance in January 2020, only months after they met, and allegedly continuing to pressure Dixon throughout his time on the show.
Dixon claims Perry’s behavior included unsolicited physical contact, explicit messages, and threats of professional consequences should Dixon reject his advances. The suit cites an alleged quid pro quo dynamic, in which Perry promised roles, contracts, vehicles, and financial benefits to “vulnerable men,” including Dixon, in exchange for sexual gratification.
“Mr. Perry would easily ‘kill off’ a character in a show of an actor who failed to indulge Perry’s sexual fantasies,” the lawsuit alleges.
The actor contends that despite resisting Perry’s advances, he stayed on the show due to fear of career damage. Ultimately, he claims he resigned during the production of Season 6, unable to continue under the alleged conditions.
Legal Claims: Harassment, Assault, Retaliation, and Emotional Distress
The suit accuses Perry of:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment
- Hostile work environment harassment
- Sexual assault and battery
- Retaliation
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Dixon says his emotional and psychological well-being suffered due to the repeated incidents and the fear of losing his acting career. He is seeking $260 million in damages.
Tyler Perry’s Legal Team Responds: “A Scam”
Tyler Perry has strongly denied all allegations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, issued a statement dismissing the claims as fraudulent and characterizing Dixon as someone who manipulated access to Perry.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” said Boyd. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
As of now, Perry has not made a public statement himself.
Alleged Evidence Includes Screenshots, Texts
The lawsuit reportedly includes screenshots and text messages as evidence of Perry’s alleged misconduct. Though the full extent of this documentation has not been released, Dixon claims it shows a pattern of sexually suggestive behavior and threats tied to his job security.
Why This Matters
This lawsuit places a high-profile figure at the center of serious allegations during a time when accountability in the entertainment industry remains under sharp public scrutiny. If substantiated, the claims could represent one of the most significant workplace harassment cases involving a media executive since the rise of the #MeToo movement.
Tyler Perry, whose studio empire and philanthropic work have earned him widespread acclaim, is one of the most influential Black voices in Hollywood. These allegations could have legal, financial, and reputational consequences for both his production company and affiliated networks like BET+ and Netflix.
What’s Next?
The case will likely move into discovery, where both sides will present evidence. If not settled, it may proceed to trial. Perry’s legal team has made clear that they intend to fight the allegations vigorously.
No criminal charges have been filed, and the lawsuit remains a civil matter. The outcome may hinge on corroborating evidence and testimonies from others who may have had similar experiences or insight into Dixon’s time on The Oval set.
Questions Answered:
- Who is Derek Dixon? An actor best known for his role on Tyler Perry’s The Oval, appearing in 85 episodes.
- What is he alleging? That Tyler Perry harassed, assaulted, and retaliated against him over four years in a coercive power dynamic.
- What is Perry’s response? Denial of all claims, calling them fabricated and financially motivated.
- What’s at stake? Perry’s reputation, legal exposure, and potential industry fallout if the case moves forward with credible evidence.
The story is developing and could prompt broader discussions about workplace boundaries, power abuse, and legal accountability in Hollywood’s creative leadership circles.
