Tyler Perry Sued for 260 Million in Sexual Harassment and Assault Case
Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry and his production company for 260 million alleging repeated sexual harassment assault retaliation and emotional distress stemming from their work together on BET’s The Oval
On June 13 2025 actor Derek Dixon filed a high-profile lawsuit in Los Angeles against acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry The complaint which also names Perry’s company TPS Production Services seeks 260 million in damages Dixon accuses Perry of repeated sexual harassment assault workplace retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from their collaboration on BET’s The Oval and related projects .
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Coercive Career Promises and Retaliation
Dixon claims Perry first approached him in 2019 offering to produce his pilot Losing It and include him in other projects When Dixon allegedly rejected Perry’s advances he says Perry retaliated by limiting his opportunities and subjecting him to escalating harassment .
Detailed Allegations of Misconduct
According to the lawsuit the first incident occurred in January 2020 at Perry’s Georgia home where Dixon alleges he was sexually assaulted in a guest bedroom Further misconduct allegedly took place during production-related travel in October 2020 and again in June 2021 under the guise of career discussions Perry is accused of forcibly groping Dixon and abusing his influence to manipulate professional interactions .
Mental and Financial Toll
Dixon states that the harassment led to severe mental health issues including PTSD anxiety insomnia and gastrointestinal problems He claims he began taking prescribed medication and ultimately left The Oval forfeiting nearly 400000 in income to avoid further trauma .
Perry’s Response
Tyler Perry’s legal team has denied all allegations calling the lawsuit a fabricated scam and an extortion attempt They assert that the claims are baseless and intend to fight them vigorously in court .
Legal Implications and What’s Next
The lawsuit cites multiple charges including sexual harassment battery workplace violence and retaliation Dixon is demanding both compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial .
Conclusion
This case poses a significant legal and reputational challenge for Perry It also brings broader attention to issues of abuse of power and accountability within the entertainment industry .