Actor Derek Dixon has filed a bombshell $260 million lawsuit against entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, alleging repeated sexual assaults and career manipulation that left him diagnosed with PTSD and forced him to flee Atlanta to escape the harassment.
Key Takeaways
- Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for $260 million, claiming sexual harassment, assault, and emotional distress on the sets of “The Oval” and “Ruthless.”
- Dixon alleges Perry used career opportunities as leverage for sexual favors, then threatened his roles when advances were rejected
- Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd denies all allegations, calling them a “scam” and expressing confidence the claims will fail in court
- The lawsuit includes evidence of multiple alleged assaults, including forcible undressing and groping during a cast trip to the Bahamas
- Dixon claims he developed severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD requiring medication as a result of the alleged harassment
Pattern of Alleged Misconduct and Career Manipulation
According to legal documents filed this summer, Dixon’s nightmare began after meeting Perry at a studio opening party in September 2019. The lawsuit details how Perry allegedly used his position of power to provide acting opportunities to Dixon, casting him in the BET+ shows “Ruthless” and later “The Oval,” only to leverage these roles for sexual favors. When Dixon refused Perry’s advances, he claims the director threatened his character’s role and future in the industry. The pattern established in the lawsuit portrays a calculated system of career manipulation targeting vulnerable actors.
Dixon claims Perry’s behavior escalated from inappropriate comments to physical assault. The lawsuit includes multiple instances of alleged sexual aggression, with Dixon providing screenshots as evidence. One particularly disturbing allegation describes Perry forcibly removing Dixon’s clothing during an assault. Following this incident, Perry reportedly apologized and offered to work with Dixon on a television pilot – a gesture Dixon’s legal team characterizes as an attempt to silence him. This pattern of alleged abuse and appeasement continued for months.
Actor Derek Dixon has sued Tyler Perry, alleging sexual assault and harassment after being cast in two of Perry's shows. Law&Crime’s Chris Stewart @cstewartnews breaks down the $260 million lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/2AUCWxqLTy
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) June 18, 2025
Severe Emotional Trauma and Medical Consequences
The lawsuit details how Dixon’s mental health deteriorated significantly as a result of the alleged harassment. By December 2020, Dixon sought medical help for symptoms related to extreme stress and was prescribed Zoloft. As the situation worsened, Dixon was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experienced severe depression and anxiety. The ongoing psychological impact was so devastating that Dixon ultimately relocated from Atlanta to Los Angeles in an attempt to distance himself from Perry, effectively disrupting his career trajectory.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” said attorney Matthew Boyd
The lawsuit claims Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in early 2024, but no action was taken. This lack of response ultimately led to Dixon’s resignation and the current lawsuit. Among the most serious allegations is an incident during a cast trip to the Bahamas in October 2020, where Dixon claims Perry groped him without consent. Another alleged assault occurred in June 2021 during a meeting about a pilot episode, further demonstrating what Dixon’s legal team describes as a persistent pattern of abuse.
Perry’s Defense and Legal Strategy
Perry’s legal team has responded forcefully to the allegations, with attorney Matthew Boyd categorically denying all claims. Perry’s defense portrays Dixon as an opportunist attempting to extract money from the successful filmmaker and studio owner. The substantial $260 million figure being sought has been highlighted by Perry’s team as evidence of Dixon’s financial motivation rather than a genuine grievance. As the case moves forward, Perry’s defense appears centered on challenging Dixon’s credibility and the authenticity of his claims.
“But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” said attorney Matthew Boyd
The lawsuit includes claims of quid pro quo sexual harassment, hostile work environment, sexual assault and battery, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Dixon is seeking a jury trial and the $260 million in damages – a figure that reflects not just compensation for career damage but the alleged severe psychological trauma he endured. If the case proceeds to trial, it could potentially expose damaging details about the inner workings of Perry’s studio and production environment, representing a significant challenge to Perry’s public image.
