Tyler Perry Faces Serious Allegations from 'The Oval' Actor

Tyler Perry is encountering serious allegations of sexual misconduct from an actor on his hit series “The Oval.” Actor Derek Dixon has filed a lawsuit against Perry, alleging inappropriate behavior. Sources from Perry’s team have labeled these claims as a “scam,” as reported by TMZ.

According to Dixon’s lawsuit, his connection with Perry began at a 2019 event. Dixon alleges that Perry selected him from the crowd and took his phone number, suggesting potential career opportunities. Indeed, he was cast in a minor role for two episodes in Perry’s show “Ruthless.”

In January 2020, Dixon claims Perry invited him to his Atlanta residence. Dixon, hoping to enhance their professional relationship, accepted the invitation. However, he alleges that after drinking excessively, he fell asleep in a guest room, only to have Perry enter and make unwanted advances.

Documents obtained by TMZ recount Dixon claiming that Perry joined him in bed, touching his thighs, though he rejected these advances. Despite the incident, Dixon soon after secured a significant role as Dale in “The Oval” but alleges it was also a period during which Perry began sending provocative texts, questioning Dixon’s sexual orientation and revealing his own preferences.

A key point in Dixon’s lawsuit is the portrayal of his “Oval” character, Dale—a homosexual, destitute store clerk who trades sex for shelter—which, he claims, mirrors what Perry was seeking in a real-life sexual companion: someone loyal and dependent.

Dixon asserts that fear for his career kept him from outright denying Perry, opting instead to express his lack of sexual interest due to fears of job loss linked to accusations of harassment.

A subsequent 2020 Atlanta invitation took a disturbing turn when Perry reportedly initiated a sexually suggestive dialogue, including remarks about liking “it rough in bed” followed by physical advance involving choking, which Dixon rebuffed.

The lawsuit purports to include years of sexually charged text exchanges, with Perry allegedly sending messages implying a desire for sexual encounters with Dixon.

The most notable allegedly occurred in June 2021. Dixon, staying in Perry’s guest house, claims Perry entered, pulled down his underwear, and made unwanted sexual overtures, which Dixon defused by changing the topic.

Dixon eventually lodged a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2024 and left “The Oval,” citing the intolerable environment due to alleged harassment.

Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages from Tyler Perry and his studio for quid pro quo workplace harassment and sexual assault.

In response, Tyler’s legal representative, Matthew Boyd, stated, “This individual appears to have fostered a relationship with Tyler Perry with the intent of launching a fraudulent claim. We’re confident that these false harassment allegations will not hold up.”

Further developments are awaited.