Filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit over allegations of sexual assault and gender-based workplace violence.
As reported by TMZ, actor Derek Dixon—who appeared in Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless—filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles, accusing Perry of using his influence and authority to subject him to repeated acts of sexual misconduct.
Dixon claims he first met Perry in 2019, during which Perry allegedly offered career support. However, the actor says that the promise soon gave way to “escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery.”
Tyler Perry accusation
In the court filing, Dixon alleges that Perry, who had control over his job, earnings, and creative roles, repeatedly abused that power for sexual advances.
According to Dixon, the first alleged incident took place in January 2020 at Perry’s home in Atlanta. He claimed that after consuming excessive alcohol, he fell asleep in a guest room, only to be woken by Perry entering the bed and inappropriately touching his thighs.
Despite rejecting the alleged advances, Dixon says the harassment continued over the next several years.
The most serious incident, according to the lawsuit, allegedly occurred in June 2021. Dixon said he was in his underwear in a guest room when Perry entered, attempted to hug him goodnight, and then groped him.
“On multiple occasions, Mr. Perry sexually assaulted Mr. Dixon, including one instance where he forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon’s clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon,” the lawsuit alleges.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied the accusations, calling them a “scam.”
