A civil lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing media mogul and billionaire filmmaker Tyler Perry of multiple instances of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. The suit, brought by actor Derek Dixon, a cast member of the BET series The Oval, demands $260 million in punitive damages.
According to the filing, Dixon alleges that Perry subjected him to a “sustained pattern of workplace sexual harassment, assault, and coercion,” starting as early as 2019. The shocking claims come from someone who says he initially met Perry while working on an event staff and was later offered acting roles on the Tyler Perry-produced series Ruthless and The Oval.
Disturbing Allegations
Dixon claims that Perry began sending him sexually suggestive messages, including one that allegedly read:
“What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?”
The lawsuit includes screenshots of alleged text exchanges between Perry and Dixon. Dixon further accuses the filmmaker of escalating his behavior from unwanted messages to sexual assault, including one disturbing incident where Perry allegedly climbed into bed with him while he was asleep in a guest room at Perry’s home.
Another more serious allegation describes a situation where Perry allegedly forcibly removed Dixon’s clothes, groped him, and attempted to force himself on him. These incidents, Dixon claims, left him feeling trapped—forced to remain cordial and professional out of fear for his career.
Fear of Retaliation
According to Dixon, Perry made it clear that ignoring his advances could have professional consequences. The lawsuit alleges that Perry threatened to kill off Dixon’s character from The Oval if he didn’t respond to Perry’s “sexual innuendos.”
Perry’s Legal Team Responds
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “scam.” In a public statement, Boyd said:
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than a scam. Tyler Perry will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims will fail.”
Tyler Perry is widely known for his work as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He is the creative mind behind numerous successful shows and the popular Madea film series. Forbes estimates Perry’s net worth at $1.4 billion, making him one of the most influential figures in Hollywood.
Legal Battle Ahead
The case is still in its early stages, and neither Perry nor BET has made further public comments. If the lawsuit proceeds, it could have major implications not only for Perry’s career and reputation but also for conversations surrounding power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
