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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.

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.