Tyler Perry is facing a lawsuit that accuses him of sexually harassing and assaulting an actor on his BET show “The Oval.” The actor, Derek Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of the show, alleges that Perry used his power in the industry to sexually exploit him. According to the complaint, Dixon was staying at Perry’s guesthouse in June 2021 when Perry groped his buttocks while drunk.
The lawsuit also includes text messages that allegedly show Perry making numerous sexual remarks and propositions over several years. The lawsuit seeks at least $260 million in punitive damages.
In response to the lawsuit, Perry’s lawyer dismissed it as a “shakedown.” Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, stated, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
According to the complaint, Dixon met Perry at a party for the mogul’s Atlanta studio in 2019 when he was working for an event company. The suit alleges that Perry took an interest in Dixon, eventually offering him a role on the show “Restless.”
Dixon claims that Perry hired him for additional parties and invited him to his home, where Dixon had several drinks. The suit alleges that Perry then climbed into bed with Dixon and began to rub against him, prompting Dixon to jump out of bed. Despite Dixon’s repeated refusals, Perry allegedly continued to make advances and suggestive comments.
The lawsuit states that Perry’s behavior continued on the set of “The Oval,” with Perry making sexual comments and asking intrusive questions about Dixon’s personal life. Dixon feared that if he did not comply, Perry would sabotage his career.
Additionally, the suit alleges that Dixon wrote a script for a show called “Losing It,” which Perry promised to produce. However, when Dixon went to Perry’s house to discuss the show, Perry allegedly tried to sexually assault him. Perry later apologized, blaming testosterone supplements, and bought the rights to the show but never intended to produce it.
The lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, assault, infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation. The case is ongoing, and Perry continues to deny the allegations.
