Tyler Perry Sued by Actor Alleging Sexual Assault, Harassment On Set Of ‘The Oval’ – Essence
Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for sexual assault and harassment stemming from his time on “The Oval,” alleging the media mogul leveraged his power.The lawsuit, seeking $260 million in damages, details claims of unwanted advances and threats made by perry. The complaint alleges Perry offered Dixon roles, including support of a pilot project, to maintain control. Perry’s attorney denies these allegations, calling them a “scam”. News Directory 3 brings you breaking details on this developing story. Dixon reported incidents to the EEOC before resigning from “the Oval.” The legal battle unfolds in Los Angeles Superior Court. Discover what’s next as the case progresses.
Tyler Perry Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from ‘The Oval’ Actor
Updated June 18, 2025
Tyler Perry, the media mogul, is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and assault from Derek Dixon, an actor who appeared in 85 episodes of Perry’s BET drama, The Oval. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Perry of leveraging his industry power to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in damages.
The complaint states that Perry first took notice of Dixon in 2019 when Dixon was working at a party. Perry then offered him an audition, which led to a small role in Ruthless before a larger role in The Oval. The lawsuit details escalating unwanted sexual advances, including text messages and alleged physical assaults. One incident claims Perry forcibly removed Dixon’s clothing and groped him.
Dixon alleges that Perry threatened to write his character off the show if he did not comply with the advances. The lawsuit further claims that Perry offered Dixon a raise and support for a pilot project, Losing It, to maintain control and silence him, with no real intention of producing the project. Another alleged assault occurred at perry’s house, where Perry allegedly climbed into bed with Dixon and groped him without consent.
Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, refuted the claims. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd said. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Dixon moved to los Angeles from Atlanta, where Perry’s studio is located, in an attempt to distance himself. However, the lawsuit claims the harassment continued. In 2024,Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After no investigation occurred,Dixon resigned from The oval.
what’s next
The case is set to proceed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Further legal proceedings and investigations are expected as both sides present their cases.