Actor Derek Dixon, who has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault and harassment, shared details of his allegations in an interview with ABC News that aired on Tuesday. Dixon claims he was subjected to inappropriate behavior by the media mogul while working on Perry’s BET series The Oval. Perry’s legal team has denied the accusations, calling them false.
In the interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Dixon recalled an encounter at Perry's Atlanta home in 2020, where he alleges Perry made unwanted physical advances after a night of drinking. Dixon described an incident where Perry allegedly exposed him by pulling down his underwear and making inappropriate contact. Dixon claims he tried to resist, but Perry reportedly told him, “Just go with it,” reassuring him that he would not be harmed.
Dixon also described a previous encounter, in which Perry allegedly climbed into bed with him and rubbed his leg. Dixon immediately left the bed and expressed his disinterest in any romantic or sexual advances. He believed that the incident would have signaled his lack of interest, but Dixon says Perry’s behavior continued.
The actor further claims that Perry sent him numerous text messages with sexual overtones, which Dixon feared could lead to professional retaliation if ignored. Dixon mentioned a storyline in The Oval where his character was killed off, which he interpreted as a possible consequence for not complying with Perry’s demands. “I was extremely anxious. The calls and texts were almost everyday,” Dixon said. “I felt like if I didn’t answer, I could lose my job.”
Dixon eventually left The Oval in September 2024, citing the emotional and psychological toll the harassment took on him. In his lawsuit, filed in June, Dixon seeks $260 million in punitive damages, which he says includes lost income and compensation for the emotional distress he experienced.
Dixon also claims that Perry had agreed to produce a pilot for a show he wrote, titled Losing It, but alleges that Perry still owns the rights to the project.
Explaining his decision to take legal action, Dixon told The Hollywood Reporter previously, “Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them.” He expressed that he hoped his actions would protect future actors and creatives from having to choose between their careers and personal dignity.
Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit a "shakedown." Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, described Dixon’s claims as fabricated and part of an attempt to extort money. “Tyler will not be shaken down,” Boyd said, adding that they are confident the claims will be dismissed.
Dixon’s accusations add to a growing number of reports involving Perry. In 2023, actor Christian Keyes also spoke out about alleged abuse at the hands of a "black Hollywood billionaire," which many believe refers to Perry. Keyes did not confirm the identity of the individual in question.
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