Tyler Perry and Derek Dixon
Filmmaker and media mogul, Tyler Perry, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation during their time working together on Perry’s productions.
Derek, who appeared in Perry’s TV shows Ruthless and The Oval, claims the abuse began in late 2019 and continued through mid-2021.
According to court documents, the actor says Perry made unwanted sexual advances and used his influence over Derek’s career to pressure him into a coercive relationship.
The lawsuit details several alleged incidents, including a 2020 visit to Perry’s Atlanta home where Derek says he woke up to Perry touching him without consent. Despite rejecting the advances, Derek claims he was later cast in a larger role on The Oval, after which Perry allegedly continued to send him sexually suggestive messages and made further advances.
One of the most serious accusations describes a 2021 incident where Perry allegedly entered Derek’s guest house, pulled down his underwear, groped him, and said, “Relax and just let it happen.” Derek says the continued harassment forced him to leave the show in 2024, costing him nearly $400,000 in lost income.
The lawsuit accuses Perry and Tyler Perry Studios of sexual assault, battery, and quid pro quo harassment. Derek filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last year before moving forward with legal action.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated” and accusing Derek of attempting to exploit Perry for money. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd said in a statement.
Derek’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, said the claims are serious and credible, adding that “the lawsuit speaks for itself.” The case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds, given Perry’s high-profile status in Hollywood and the broader conversations around abuse of power in the entertainment industry.