An actor and screenwriter, Derek Dixon, has filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging sexual harassment and unwanted advances. The 46-page lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeks $260 million in punitive damages and likens Perry’s alleged actions to those of other high-profile figures in the entertainment industry who have faced similar accusations.
Dixon claims that in 2019, after Perry offered him his first acting role, he was invited to Perry’s Georgia home, where he was allegedly groped after being given several drinks. The suit asserts that Dixon repeatedly communicated his disinterest in a sexual relationship while trying to navigate the opportunity presented by Perry’s power in Hollywood.
The lawsuit describes a pattern of increasingly aggressive behavior from Perry, including explicit texts and sexually charged conversations, which left Dixon feeling as though his job security with Perry’s show “The Oval” depended on maintaining a certain “relationship” with him. It alleges that Perry groped Dixon multiple times, including during a cast trip to the Bahamas and at his home.
After the incidents, Dixon claims Perry’s lawyer conveyed a message that success on “The Oval” would be rewarded financially, creating pressure for Dixon to remain compliant. Although Perry purchased the rights to a script Dixon wrote, titled “Losing It,” the suit alleges he had no intention of producing it, using it instead as leverage over Dixon.
The attorney representing Perry dismissed the allegations as a scam, claiming Dixon aimed to exploit Perry’s influence but emphasized confidence in winning the case. Dixon’s decision to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission indicates ongoing struggles following the alleged harassment.
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