Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual assault and harassment. Actor and screenwriter Derek Dixon, from The Oval, has filed a lawsuit against Perry for $260 million. Dixon alleges the harassment started in early 2020 when he had a small part in Ruthless, stating that it went on for years. He also alleged that Perry used his considerable influence in the entertainment industry as a way to manipulate him.
Tyler Perry Meets Derek Dixon
Dixon first met Perry in the fall of 2019. He was at an opening party at the Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios. Dixon was cast in Ruthless, then shortly thereafter, he was cast as series regular Dale on The Oval. Dixon said he received texts with sexual innuendos, and he was subjected to harassment from Perry, which only got worse when there was drinking involved.
What Does the Lawsuit Say?
The lawsuit, filed on Friday June 13th, states in part “Mr. Perry took his success and power and used his considerable influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic with Mr. Dixon — initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show, only to subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery… and professional retaliation when Mr. Dixon did not reciprocate Mr. Perry’s unwanted advances.” Additionally included in the lawsuit are screenshots of text exchanges between the two.
Tyler Perry and Dixon’s Pilot
Derek Dixon had written a pilot for a show, entitled “Losing It.” Perry said that he would produce the pilot; however, Dixon accused Perry of using the pilot as a bargaining chip. Perry threatened to cut off any production funding and to fire Dixon from The Oval if Dixon didn’t cooperate with Perry.
Dixon stated that he went along with Perry so as not to lose any funding for his project and to maintain steady work. He further went on to attest in the lawsuit that [he] immediately knew why he was getting this raise and why the Pilot was being produced. He further alleged that he felt he had to bow to both the pressure and fear of losing his income.
After selling the rights of “Losing It” to Tyler Perry and his TPS production company, the project was purposely stalled and Perry continued to give false promises to Dixon about the show that he wrote. Dixon further explained the harassment was ongoing even after he had moved to Los Angeles in early 2023.
The Complaints Against Tyler Perry
In June of 2024, Derek Dixon made a formal report of Tyler Perry’s alleged sexual misconduct to TPS Production Services. They did not address the complaint nor make any attempts to stop the harassment. Later, Perry encouraged Dixon to take a medical leave of absence from the show, and he wasn’t rehired, thus terminating his contract.
Dixon is suing Tyler Perry and TPS Production Services. He is citing sexual harassment, workplace harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation. He is asking for a jury trial and suing for damages of $260 million.
