Actor Derek Dixon, known for his roles on Tyler Perry’s series Ruthless and The Oval, has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation.
The complaint, lodged on June 13 in Los Angeles, accuses Perry of creating “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” during Dixon’s tenure on the shows.
Dixon, who portrayed “Dale” on The Oval, claims Perry promised career advancement—including producing Dixon’s pilot and expanding creative opportunities—but retaliation ensued after Dixon rejected Perry’s unwanted advances. The lawsuit describes incidents at Perry’s home in January 2020, including alleged sexual assault, and similar behavior during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020.
The complaint also asserts that Dixon’s character arc was manipulated as leverage; Perry allegedly warned Dixon that his character’s survival depended on granting compliance. At season’s end, “Dale” was shot four times in a cliffhanger, which Dixon interprets as a threat . Additional acts such as non-consensual groping in a trailer and at Perry’s home are cited as further allegations.
Dixon asserts the stress led to serious health issues, including PTSD, prompting his medical provider to prescribe antidepressants. He left The Oval during the final season and lost nearly $400,000 in earnings.
In response, attorney Matthew Boyd called the lawsuit “a scam,” stating, “Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail”.
Dixon is suing for quid pro quo sexual harassment, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation, and is seeking a jury trial. Neither BET nor Tyler Perry Studios have commented.
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