Tyler Perry Sued by The Oval Star in $260M Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

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As I pen down these words, I find myself compelled to address a serious matter concerning my professional life. Namely, allegations of sexual misconduct have been brought forth by an actor associated with the productions under my purview. It’s a challenging time for me and my team as we navigate this situation with utmost care and transparency.

Derek Dixon, known for his roles in BET’s “Ruthless” and “The Oval,” is taking legal action against the director, claiming in court papers acquired by TopMob News that the director abused his power in the entertainment industry to establish a manipulative, sexually exploitative relationship between them.

Initially, Dixon alleges in his lawsuit filed at the Superior Court of California on June 13, that Perry promises promising roles to upcoming actors, ones that could define their careers. However, once they find themselves within his professional sphere, he allegedly exploits his power by making their success conditional upon fulfilling his personal demands. This, according to Dixon, is a case of quid pro quo sexual coercion, where Perry’s favors are tied to sexual compromises.

TopMob News has attempted to get a comment from Perry’s representative, but have yet to receive a response. However, Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd made a statement to People regarding Dixon’s lawsuit, stating that the individual in question got close to Tyler Perry for what seems to be the purpose of setting up a scheme. But Tyler Perry will not succumb to blackmail and they are confident that the baseless claims of harassment in this lawsuit will not succeed.

As stated in Dixon’s complaint, he initially encountered Perry in September 2019 during the grand opening event of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. After exchanging contact details, Dixon claimed that Perry texted messages of a sexually suggestive nature. Simultaneously, Perry was also reportedly offering him a minor role in the production titled “Ruthless“.

In his involvement with the political series, Dixon claimed that Perry frequently posed uncomfortable questions regarding his sexual orientation towards him. Additionally, he asserted that Perry made unwanted physical advances on multiple instances while they were working together on The Oval, such as in October 2020 during a cast excursion to the Bahamas and once more in June 2021 at Perry’s residence, when they were discussing a possible pilot project.

In his lawsuit, Dixon claimed that during a stay at Perry’s house in Georgia after a night of drinking in January 2020, the filmmaker crossed a boundary by physically advancing and inappropriately touching him while in bed. He also stated that following this alleged incident, he was ignored by Perry’s texts, but later received an offer to be part of The Oval‘s cast.

Ultimately, Dixon decided to leave his position on the final season of “The Oval“, as stated in his lawsuit, due to his desire to avoid any further instances of sexual harassment or potential sexual assault.

According to the complaint, Dixon experienced “physical illness, physical harm, bodily discomfort, apprehension, concern, embarrassment, humiliation, damage to his professional standing, mental torment, emotional turmoil, and post-traumatic stress” due to Perry’s alleged actions.

Instead of wielding his influence with responsibility, as claimed by Dixon’s lawsuit, Tyler Perry has reportedly been involved in a recurring behavior of misconduct, abusing his powerful position. This belief gradually morphed into the unfounded notion that Mr. Perry can acquire anyone he desires. There are aspects of life which money cannot obtain.

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2025-06-18 02:47