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Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry for $260 Million Over Sexual Assault and Harassment

Dixon’s lawsuit details alleged coercive advances tied to career opportunities, with retaliation following his refusal.

Derek Dixon sues Tyler Perry: Mixed reactions emerge as leaked texts from Tyler Perry to Derek Dixon raise questions about the nature of their relationship amid lawsuit allegations.
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Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for sexual harassment and assault, claiming Perry used his influence over Dixon's career to manipulate him. Perry has dismissed the accusations as false and is confident the lawsuit, seeking $250 million, will fail.
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Overview

  • The lawsuit filed June 13 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks $260 million for sexual assault, harassment and professional retaliation, naming Tyler Perry, his production companies and 50 unnamed defendants.
  • Dixon alleges Perry initiated unwanted physical advances in January 2020—including groping and uninvited bedtime intrusions—and sent sexually charged messages while warning that rejecting him would jeopardize Dixon’s career.
  • The complaint describes a pattern of quid pro quo coercion in which roles on Ruthless and The Oval were offered or threatened based on Dixon’s compliance with Perry’s advances.
  • After filing an EEOC complaint in June 2024, Dixon left The Oval and reports he suffered severe depression, anxiety and PTSD linked to the alleged abuse.
  • Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd has denied the allegations as fabricated, calling the lawsuit a scam and asserting the case will fail.