Actor Derek Dixon has filed a staggering $260 million lawsuit against acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry, citing multiple allegations of sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and emotional distress related to his roles on Perry’s BET+ series The Oval and Ruthless.
Who Is Derek Dixon?
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Dixon portrayed Dale, a recurring character on The Oval.
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His relationship with Perry began in September 2019 at the Tyler Perry Studios grand opening in Atlanta.
Allegations Detail a “Coercive, Sexually Exploitative Dynamic”
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Promises of Career Advancement
Perry allegedly promised Dixon pivotal roles and production opportunities (e.g., a new pilot), only for those assurances to vanish when Dixon rebuffed sexual advances. -
Repeated Sexual Harassment & Assault
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January 2020: Claimed assault at Perry's home following a night of drinks.
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October 2020: Alleged groping occurred during a cast trip to the Bahamas.
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June 2021: Another alleged assault took place during a meeting at Perry's residence to discuss Dixon's pilot.
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Retaliation Tactics
Dixon says Perry manipulated his character’s fate—Dale was shot in the season finale—as leverage to force compliance. -
Mental & Financial Fallout
Dixon claims medication for PTSD and anxiety, along with a significant income loss (around $400,000) after exiting The Oval.
Evidence Presented in the Filing
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Text messages: Exchanges where Perry allegedly pressured Dixon to engage sexually.
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Medical records: Indicating insomnia, low cortisol levels, acute stress, and antidepressant prescriptions.
Perry's Legal Team Responds
Attorney Matthew Boyd dismissed the lawsuit, calling it a “shakedown” and “fabricated,” asserting that Perry won’t be intimidated by the accusations.
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