Derek Dixon: The Oval star sues Tyler Perry for alleged sexual harassment

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and media mogul, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who starred in Perry’s BET series The Oval.

The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and workplace retaliation. According to Dixon, the abuse began around 2020, when he claims Perry leveraged his power and influence in the entertainment industry to coerce him into a non-consensual relationship under the promise of professional advancement, including the production of a pilot and future acting roles.

In the 46-page complaint, Dixon details instances of alleged physical assault, including being groped and undressed without consent at Perry’s home in Georgia, and enduring persistent, unwanted advances through messages.

The actor alleges that when he began to resist these advances, Perry retaliated by writing his character off the show, costing him a significant income and damaging his career. Dixon stated that the experience left him mentally and emotionally scarred, leading to insomnia, anxiety, and other health issues.

Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. His attorney described the claims as “completely false” and an attempt at extortion, expressing confidence that the case would be dismissed.

The lawsuit draws attention to ongoing concerns about abuse of power in the entertainment industry and marks the first major sexual misconduct allegation against Perry, who has long been viewed as a trailblazer in Black cinema and television.

As the case unfolds, it is expected to attract significant public and media scrutiny due to the high-profile nature of those involved.