Tyler Perry is at the center of a stunning $260 million lawsuit. And the allegations are explosive. The man behind the billion-dollar media empire is being accused of repeated sexual harassment and assault by actor Derek Dixon, who plays Dale on Perry’s hit show The Oval. The lawsuit claims the alleged misconduct began years ago and escalated into abuse masked behind professional favors.
Lawsuit Alleges Power, Promises, and Predation in Tyler Perry’s Production World
Perry’s reaction came after the public learned that Dixon had filed the lawsuit on June 13, accusing the mogul of promising career breaks only to subject him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery.” According to the complaint, Perry retaliated when Dixon didn’t reciprocate his advances. The filmmaker has denied all the claims.
Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual assault by Derek Dixon, who stars in Perry’s show ‘The Oval.’ (via TMZ) pic.twitter.com/xtmj9gwhs4
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 17, 2025
According to the lawsuit, the two first met in 2019 during the launch party of Tyler Perry Studios. Dixon was working the event and was instructed to interact closely with Perry. By the end of the evening, they exchanged numbers. What followed, as described in the lawsuit, was a steady stream of personal messages from Perry. Eventually, Dixon was offered a role on Ruthless, one of Perry’s series.
Things reportedly spiraled from there. In early 2020, Perry invited Dixon to his home in Georgia. They drank, spoke casually. And then, the actor claims, Perry insisted he stay over. That night, the lawsuit alleges, Perry assaulted him. After that, Perry’s tone shifted. He allegedly bombarded Dixon with messages. When ignored, he reportedly became aggressive. Then offered him a part on The Oval.
Dixon claimed he stayed silent to protect his job. The lawsuit said he lived in fear, believing his role depended on accepting Perry’s conduct. The pressure intensified after his character was shot multiple times on-screen. Signaling his removal from the show. Later that night, Perry allegedly assaulted him again in his trailer after filming. Dixon’s physical health began to break down. He says he felt isolated, trapped, and feared losing his entire career.Also Read: Civil Lawsuit Filed Alleging Sexual Assault Against BYU QB Jake Retzlaff: Lawyer Responds
