Tyler Perry showed up at the 2025 BET Awards held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9. People
Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for $260 million. Dixon says Perry sexually harassed, assaulted, and retaliated against him. The lawsuit came on June 13 in Los Angeles. Dixon worked on Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless, playing a character named Dale.
Dixon claims Perry created a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" while promising career growth. When Dixon rejected Perry’s advances, the harassment and retaliation got worse. Dixon says Perry first offered him roles and chances to produce shows, then turned abusive when Dixon did not respond to his unwanted advances.
Perry’s lawyer said, "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam." The lawyer added they are confident the claims will fail.
How It Started
Dixon says he met Perry in September 2019 at a party for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Perry sent Dixon texts, sometimes with sexual hints, but also promised to help his career. In November 2019, Perry gave Dixon a small role on Ruthless.
Dixon says Perry sexually assaulted him at his home in January 2020. The next month, Perry gave Dixon a regular role on The Oval.
Threats Over Role
Dixon says Perry threatened his character's survival on The Oval. If Dixon ignored Perry’s advances, Perry told him his character would "die." Dixon’s character was shot at the end of the season. Perry kept reminding Dixon that keeping Perry "happy" would help his role survive.
After filming the shooting scene, Dixon said Perry pinned him to his trailer wall and groped him. Dixon says Perry did the same during a cast trip to the Bahamas in 2020.
Health Impact
Dixon saw a doctor in December 2020. The doctor said Dixon had severe stress, insomnia, stomach problems, and low cortisol. Dixon was prescribed antidepressants.
Dixon says Perry invited him again in June 2021 to talk about Dixon’s show pilot Losing It. Perry allegedly sexually assaulted him again.
Dixon said he faced depression, anxiety, and nausea after these events. He was diagnosed with PTSD.
Offers and Moves
Dixon says Perry’s team offered him more money to return to The Oval and promised to produce his show. In January 2023, Dixon moved to California to get away from Perry.
Dixon left The Oval in its final season. He says this caused him to lose about $400,000.
Lawsuit Details
Dixon is suing Perry for sexual harassment, assault, emotional distress, and retaliation. He wants a jury trial and $260 million in damages.
