Tyler Perry Sued for $260 Million Over Alleged Sexual Harassment and Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

Celebrated filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry has been named in a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who starred in Perry’s BET series The Oval. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 13, 2025, the lawsuit accuses Perry of harassment, sexual assault, battery, and retaliation with incidents allegedly occurring between 2019 and 2021.

According to the complaint, Dixon alleges he was first introduced to Perry in 2019 at an Atlanta event, where Perry offered him opportunities to work on his shows, including Ruthless and The Oval. Dixon claims that soon after, Perry began to make inappropriate sexual advances under the pretext of helping his career. The actor contends that he was subjected to coercive and unwanted sexual conduct, including multiple incidents of alleged assault.

One of the most serious allegations in the lawsuit includes an incident in January 2020, where Perry allegedly invited Dixon to stay at his Georgia residence and later sexually assaulted him. Another major incident allegedly occurred in the Bahamas in October 2020, where Perry is said to have groped Dixon aggressively. Further, Dixon recounts a June 2021 incident where Perry attempted to undress and touch him without consent.

Dixon also claims he received explicit messages from Perry, with screenshots included in the court documents. After resisting Perry’s alleged advances, Dixon says his character on The Oval was removed from the show, which he interprets as retaliation. He claims the professional fallout cost him nearly $400,000 in earnings.

In response, Perry’s legal team has firmly denied the allegations. His attorney called the claims “false” and characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown” attempt for financial gain.

Dixon is seeking a jury trial and $260 million in damages, claiming emotional trauma, loss of career opportunities, and ongoing psychological distress. The lawsuit has reignited conversations about power dynamics, coercion, and accountability within the entertainment industry.