Tyler Perry faces a $260 million lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon, who accuses him of sexual assault, harassment, and career retaliation.
Dixon, known for roles in Ruthless and The Oval, claims Perry exploited a power imbalance from late 2019 to mid-2021. The actor says Perry promised him career opportunities while engaging in inappropriate and coercive behavior.
According to court filings, they met at a studio event in Atlanta. Perry later invited Dixon to his home in January 2020. Dixon says he drank too much, fell asleep in a guest room, and awoke to Perry touching his thighs. Although Dixon says he rejected Perry’s advance, he soon landed a bigger role in The Oval.
The lawsuit cites explicit messages allegedly sent by Perry, including comments suggesting sexual intent and pressuring Dixon. One message read: “No straight man would cook for you unless he wanted to fk you. I would fk you.”
Dixon alleges a second visit turned physical. Perry reportedly asked if he liked rough sex and grabbed him by the throat. The most serious claim involves a 2021 incident where Perry allegedly entered Dixon’s room, pulled down his underwear, and groped him, saying, “Relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon filed a complaint with the EEOC in June 2024 and left The Oval soon after. He estimates the ordeal cost him nearly $400,000 in lost income.
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the lawsuit as a “fabricated” attempt to exploit their relationship for money. “This is a setup,” Boyd said.
Dixon’s lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad, countered, saying the lawsuit “speaks for itself.”
The case now heads to court, drawing intense attention as it targets one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures.
