Tyler Perry Facing $260 Million Lawsuit Over Harassment and Assault Claims

Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation. The case, filed on Friday, June 13, in Los Angeles, centers around events that allegedly took place while Dixon was working on Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless.

Dixon played a character named Dale on both series, and according to the lawsuit, he claims Perry created what he describes as a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.” The complaint states that Perry initially presented himself as a mentor, offering Dixon career opportunities and creative support, including interest in producing Dixon’s pilot and casting him in his shows. However, when Dixon didn’t respond to Perry’s advances, things allegedly took a darker turn.

In response, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, issued a statement calling the lawsuit a “scam.”

“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” the statement read. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

Dixon said he met Perry in September 2019 while working on the opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. After that, he claimed Perry kept in contact through texts, some of which were flirtatious. According to Dixon, Perry also expressed a desire to help him professionally and eventually offered him a small part in Ruthless.

The suit says Perry gave Dixon a bigger role, then threatened to kill off his character if he didn’t comply.

Then in January 2020, the lawsuit claims Perry sexually assaulted Dixon at his home. The following month, Perry allegedly gave him a much larger role as a series regular on The Oval. However, Dixon said there were strings attached.

He described reading his first season’s script and noticing that the ending left his character’s fate uncertain. The implication, according to Dixon, was clear: if he didn’t play along with Perry’s behavior, his character would be written off the show.

“Mr. Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos, Dixon's character would 'die' in the next season,” the complaint states.

That season ended with Dale being shot multiple times, something Dixon claims was used to send a message.

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After filming the scene where his character is shot, Dixon alleged that Perry invited him to his trailer. Once inside, Perry allegedly pinned him to the wall and groped him. Another similar incident reportedly occurred during a cruise to the Bahamas in October 2020.

By the end of that year, Dixon said the pressure and stress began to take a physical toll. He visited a doctor who diagnosed him with acute stress and related symptoms, including insomnia and digestive issues. He was prescribed Zoloft to manage the mental health fallout.

In June 2021, Dixon said he visited Perry again, this time to discuss Losing It, a pilot Dixon had written and Perry had expressed interest in producing. But instead of a business meeting, Dixon claims Perry once again assaulted him.

Legal experts emphasize the importance of workplace policies that actively prevent harassment and assault. Attorney Michael Harris notes that comprehensive training programs can significantly reduce incidents of misconduct. He suggests that organizations implement regular training sessions that not only educate employees about legal definitions but also foster a culture of respect and accountability.

Furthermore, establishing clear reporting mechanisms and ensuring that employees feel safe to come forward without fear of retaliation is essential. Harris points out that organizations with strong supportive frameworks tend to see a decrease in such allegations, creating a healthier work environment overall.

Dixon says he developed PTSD, rejected a hush offer, and lost $400,000 by leaving The Oval early.

Over the following months, Dixon said he suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and other health issues. He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. According to the lawsuit, Perry’s team later offered him more money to return to The Oval, along with a promise to buy the rights to his show Losing It—an offer Dixon perceived as an attempt to buy his silence.

By early 2023, Dixon informed Perry that he was relocating to California to create distance between them. He continued working on The Oval for a time but left before the show wrapped its final season, a decision he claims cost him nearly $400,000 in lost earnings.

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The complaint alleges multiple serious offenses against Perry, including sexual battery, harassment, assault, emotional distress, and retaliation. Dixon is calling for a jury trial and is pursuing $260 million in damages.

So far, Perry has not issued any public response or comment regarding these allegations, leaving the situation open as the legal process unfolds.

In the realm of entertainment, the challenge of addressing allegations of harassment is multifaceted. Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explains that the dynamics of power in creative industries often complicate these situations. He argues that a transparent culture where open dialogue is encouraged can help mitigate these issues.

Dr. Haidt recommends regular feedback sessions and anonymous surveys to assess workplace climate, which could reveal potential areas of concern before they escalate. By prioritizing mental well-being and ethical practices, the industry can move towards a more inclusive and safe environment for all individuals involved.

Addressing the complex issues of harassment and assault in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach. Experts like the American Psychological Association highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering a respectful workplace culture. Training employees not only in legal aspects but also in empathy and communication can create a more supportive environment.

Taking proactive steps, such as establishing clear reporting channels and conducting regular training, can empower employees to speak out. As the entertainment industry navigates these troubling allegations, the focus should be on creating a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.