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Actor Derek Dixon has filed a staggering $260 million lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, alleging years of sexual harassment, assault, and workplace retaliation. The lawsuit, lodged in Los Angeles on June 13, outlines what Dixon calls a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” during his time on two Perry-led television projects, _Ruthless_ and _The Oval_.
According to court documents, Dixon met Perry in September 2019 at the launch event for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. The two reportedly maintained contact after the event, with Perry allegedly promising career advancement, including a role on _Ruthless_ and future production support for Dixon’s own pilot. By November 2019, Dixon had secured a part on _Ruthless_, followed shortly by an invitation to Perry’s Georgia home.
It was there, in January 2020, that Dixon claims Perry first sexually assaulted him. The suit alleges that Dixon’s refusal to reciprocate Perry’s advances resulted in Perry manipulating his character’s arc on _The Oval_, where Dixon was later cast. “Dixon was told his character would ‘die’ if he didn’t keep Perry ‘happy,’” the lawsuit claims, citing the finale where Dixon’s character, Dale, is shot multiple times.
Dixon also recalled being “aggressively groped” by Perry during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020. The alleged behavior, he said, extended well into 2021, including another instance of sexual assault during a meeting to discuss Dixon’s show, _Losing It_. “Tyler expressed interest in producing the show, then used the opportunity to exploit me,” Dixon said in a statement via his legal team.
The psychological impact, the suit notes, was severe. Dixon sought medical attention in late 2020 and was diagnosed with acute stress, insomnia, and low cortisol levels. A physician prescribed Zoloft to manage the symptoms. “The harassment took a deep toll on my mental and physical health,” Dixon said.
In January 2023, Dixon notified Perry he was relocating to California, citing the need for distance. He exited _The Oval_ shortly after, claiming he forfeited nearly $400,000 in earnings.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has firmly denied the allegations. “This is a calculated scam. Tyler will not be extorted. We are confident these fabricated claims will collapse underscrutiny,” he stated.
Dixon is pursuing a jury trial and damages for sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. As of now, BET has not issued a public response