Actor Derek Dixon has filed a lawsuit accusing media mogul Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and workplace violence. Perry denies the claims
The Tyler Perry Accusations have rocked Hollywood, as actor Derek Dixon filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault against the influential media mogul.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles last week and first reported on Tuesday, claims Perry used his considerable power to establish a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.”
Dixon, who appeared on Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval, asserts that Perry offered him career advancement but instead subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery.”
Dixon alleges he faced harassment and abuse by Perry while the mogul held direct control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities, and that he experienced retaliation when he did not respond favorably to Perry’s advances.
Tyler Perry, the billionaire known for his Madea film series and his massive film and TV studios in Atlanta, is a powerful figure in the entertainment industry.
His studios frequently host major film productions, and he maintains a significant partnership with the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Perry has vehemently denied these allegations, and his attorney, Matthew Boyd, described the lawsuit as a “shakedown.”
In a statement to media, Boyd asserted, “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.”
The lawsuit, however, paints a different picture, alleging that Perry has “a troubling pattern of exploiting vulnerable male actors and employees.”
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
It draws comparisons to other prominent figures accused of sexual misconduct, stating that “like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, Sean ‘P-Diddy’ Combs… Mr. Perry’s success has led him to believe that money and influence can get him whatever he wants.
” The lawsuit explicitly states that “Tyler Perry has been using his power and influence to molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable employees and actors who look to him for guidance and mentorship.”
According to the legal filing, Dixon and Perry first met in 2019 at an opening party for Perry’s studio, where Dixon worked for an events company.
Perry allegedly “picked [Dixon] out of a crowd of employees present at the Party, and began asking [Dixon] questions about his employment status, and whether Plaintiff was an actor.”
The suit details that Perry began texting Dixon, initially inquiring about his goals and career aspirations, then offering Dixon a role on one of his television shows with the promise that “it was a small role that could get a lot bigger,” thereby initiating a series of “escalating quid pro quo offers.”
The lawsuit describes multiple incidents of alleged sexual harassment and assault occurring over several years.
Shortly after his first acting job, Dixon was invited to Perry’s home, where they consumed drinks and conversed. Perry reportedly urged Dixon not to drive home.
“Dixon agreed and was escorted to a separate guest room,” the suit alleges, “not knowing that this was a ruse to allow Perry to assault Dixon.
Dixon was tired and did not have pajamas and so he got into bed only wearing underwear. Before he knew what was happening, Dixon felt someone else slip into bed behind him and start rubbing Dixon’s body around his inner thigh in a highly sexual and suggestive manner.”
The suit further details that “on multiple occasions, Mr. Perry sexually assaulted Mr. Dixon, including one instance where he forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon’s clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon.”
The lawsuit includes communications between the two, showing flirtatious and sexually suggestive messages from Perry that Dixon reportedly attempted to rebuff. Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in damages.
