Additional Coverage:
Actor Derek Dixon has filed a lawsuit against media mogul Tyler Perry, alleging repeated sexual assault and harassment during his time on the BET drama “The Oval.” The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks $260 million in damages.
Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of the series, claims Perry leveraged his power and influence to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” The lawsuit alleges Perry dangled career opportunities, including producing Dixon’s pilot and casting him in “The Oval,” while subjecting him to escalating harassment and assault. Dixon contends this behavior occurred while Perry had direct control over his employment and creative opportunities.
The lawsuit details several alleged incidents, including Perry sending unwanted sexual text messages, forcibly removing Dixon’s clothing and attempting to force himself on the actor, and groping Dixon while he was a guest at Perry’s home. Dixon claims he attempted to maintain professional boundaries, fearing his character would be killed off if he rejected Perry’s advances.
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, vehemently denies the allegations, calling them a “scam” and “fabricated claims of harassment.” Boyd stated Perry “will not be shaken down” and is confident the claims will fail.
The lawsuit further alleges that Perry’s production and purchase of Dixon’s pilot, “Losing It,” was a tactic to maintain leverage over the actor, with no real intention of selling the show. After filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and allegedly receiving no action from the show’s producers, Dixon left the series.
Dixon’s lawsuit claims he met Perry in 2019 while working at one of Perry’s parties. He was later offered an audition and appeared in a small role on the Perry series “Ruthless” before landing a larger role on “The Oval.”
Tyler Perry, 55, is a prolific writer, director, and producer known for the “Madea” franchise and numerous television series. He has also appeared in films such as “Gone Girl” and “Don’t Look Up.”