Tyler Perry Dragged to Court Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Renowned American filmmaker and television mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who has accused him of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation during their time working together on Perry’s television productions The Oval and Ruthless.

Filed in a Los Angeles court, the lawsuit alleges that Perry used his powerful status in the entertainment industry to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” Dixon claims Perry initially offered mentorship and promised to help advance his acting career, only to subject him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery” when he rejected Perry’s alleged advances.

According to the filing, Dixon met Perry in 2019 during a work event at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Their professional conversations reportedly evolved into inappropriate encounters, with Perry allegedly making repeated sexual comments and proposals. Dixon said he turned down each advance.

The lawsuit further claims Perry used his influence over Dixon’s on-screen fate to exert pressure. “Mr Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos, Dixon’s character would ‘die’ in the next season,” the complaint states, referring to his role as ‘Dale’ on The Oval. Perry allegedly implied the character’s survival was tied to keeping him “happy.”

Dixon also recounted an alleged assault on the set of The Oval, stating that Perry interrogated him about his sexuality in a trailer before pinning him against a wall and fondling him. Dixon said he managed to leave the trailer and ultimately stepped away from the show to avoid continued harassment. He also turned down a subsequent offer from Perry to work as a writer.

In response, Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, vehemently denied the claims and dismissed the lawsuit as a financial ploy. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd told the BBC. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, Perry has not issued a personal statement, but his legal team maintains that the accusations are baseless and motivated by profit.

BBC