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Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry For Sexual Assault And Harassment. The Oval actor Derek accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault and harassment in a $260 million lawsuit.
Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry For Sexual Assault And Harassment
One of the most well-known and influential people in Hollywood, Tyler Perry, is the target of a comprehensive civil lawsuit alleging that he sexually exploited actor and screenwriter Derek Dixon over several years by using his wealth and status. The 46-page complaint details a horrific pattern of claimed sexual harassment, coercive manipulation, and retribution that started in 2019 and lasted until 2023. It was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 13, 2025.
Dixon is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of $260 million and a jury trial.
Rising actor Dixon, who worked on Perry’s creations, including the BET series “The Oval,” alleges in the complaint that Perry repeatedly made unwanted sexual attempts, groped him, and used psychological manipulation while offering him rich acting and creative possibilities in an attempt to silence him.
The complaint begins, “This case arises from a sustained pattern of workplace sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation perpetrated by Tyler Perry… against Plaintiff Derek Dixon” (p.2, ¶three).
Dixon claims that while working at an event in 2019, Perry first showed interest in him. Dixon was allegedly courted by Perry, who offered him playing parts and creative cooperation. Perry wrote, “Be careful hanging around me!!” in one text. I cause dreamers to dream bigger dreams! (p. 11, ¶56).
Dixon claimed that what followed was a toxic behavior where Perry would coerce Dixon into unwelcome physical encounters by using his power over casting and compensation.
Perry allegedly threatened to have Dixon’s character removed from the program if he didn’t keep him “happy.” The complaint claims that the fact that Dixon’s character was ultimately shot four times on “The Oval” was utilized as leverage (p.6, ¶18).
Numerous unsettling allegations of sexual assault and battery are included in the complaint. Perry allegedly touched Dixon without permission in one of those incidents. In another, he allegedly touched Dixon’s buttocks violently after recording and pinned him against a wall (p.21, ¶119). In a third instance, which is described in paragraphs 138–140 (pp. 26–27), Perry is accused of grabbing Dixon and removing his underwear while ignoring Dixon’s verbal objections.
According to the lawsuit, Perry said things like, “Calm down,” in response to Dixon’s rejection. He then blamed testosterone supplements for his actions (p.28, ¶145) and said, “I’m not going to hurt you” (p.27, ¶140).
Dixon asserts that after each assault, Perry would apologize and promise increased compensation or offer to produce Dixon’s pilot show, “Losing It.” According to the complaint, these promises were ultimately hollow and served to prolong Dixon’s silence while Perry maintained control (pp.28-30, ¶¶146-165).
According to the lawsuit, Perry persisted in calling, messaging, and trying to justify or normalize the assaults even after Dixon relocated to California. Dixon claims that he had physical signs of trauma and that a doctor diagnosed him with PTSD (p.25, ¶132).
The lawsuit levels causes of action, including: Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment (Gov. Code §12940(j)), Workplace Harassment and Gender Violence (CC §52.4), Violation of California’s Ralph Act, Sexual Assault and Battery (CC §340.16, CC §1708.5), Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Retaliation
Notably, the plaintiff argues the case qualifies under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act (AB 2777), reviving otherwise time-barred claims (p.10, ¶42).
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, responded to all of Dixon’s accusations by calling the lawsuit a “shakedown.” He spoke with assurance, stating that these false allegations of harassment would not hold up.
According to media sources, Boyd stated, “This is a person who approached Tyler Perry for what now seems to be nothing more than setting up a scam.” “However, Tyler will not be deterred, and we are certain that these false allegations of harassment will fail.”