Tyler Perry Faces Sexual Harassment and Assault Allegations from "The Oval" Actor

Tyler Perry finds himself embroiled in a lawsuit where he stands accused of sexually harassing and assaulting Derek Dixon, an actor from his BET show “The Oval,” where Dixon played a role in 85 episodes. The lawsuit claims that Perry exploited his industry influence to abuse Dixon sexually. Allegations suggest that in June 2021, Perry, whilst intoxicated, groped Dixon’s buttocks during Dixon’s stay at Perry’s guesthouse. The complaint underscores this with references to messages purportedly revealing years of sexual remarks and propositions by Perry. Dixon is seeking punitive damages totaling at least $260 million. Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has dismissed the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” stating, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” while expressing confidence that these “fabricated claims of harassment” will not stand.

The complaint details that Dixon was employed with an event company when he first encountered Perry at a party for Perry’s Atlanta studio in 2019. Perry’s interest in Dixon allegedly led to phone calls and offered opportunities, including the role of Dale on “Restless.” Dixon’s suit claims that Perry hired him for additional social events and extended invitations to his home, which culminated in an incident where Perry, under the influence, allegedly climbed into bed with Dixon, initiating unwanted physical contact that caused Dixon to hastily leave the bed. “Dixon kept informing Perry that he was not into sex in order to keep Perry at bay, while at the same time not insulting the person who was dangling his career in front of him,” the lawsuit says. Despite Dixon’s clear objections, the complaint alleges that Perry persisted with suggestive messages and remarks, which intensified after Dixon’s casting on “The Oval.”

Dixon claims that Perry leveraged his power to make sexual advances on set, questioning Dixon invasively about his personal life. Fearing that his character might be written off or his career damaged, Dixon complied, the suit alleges. Additionally, Dixon describes writing a script for a new show, “Losing It,” which Perry had initially promised to back as a pilot. Yet, Dixon contends that in a June 2021 meeting meant to discuss the pilot, Perry once again reportedly attempted an assault when Dixon visited Perry’s guest house. Days later, Perry supposedly apologized, attributing his behavior to testosterone supplements, again assuring commitment to the project. According to Dixon, Perry went on to purchase the show’s rights but allegedly never had intentions to produce it, using it instead as leverage over Dixon, “like the sword of Damocles.” The lawsuit charges Perry with sexual harassment, assault, infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation.