Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by Derek Dixon, an actor who portrayed Dale in Perry’s television series The Oval.
Dixon alleges that Perry subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation” after Dixon rejected his alleged advances.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in a Los Angeles court, details claims dating back to 2019, when Dixon met Perry while working for an event company that organized a party for the filmmaker.
Dixon says they exchanged contact information, and Perry initially offered him career opportunities. However, according to the filing, Perry soon began sending Dixon sexually suggestive messages — some of which were included in the court documents.
In one alleged incident in 2020, Dixon claims Perry invited him to his home in Douglasville, Georgia. After having drinks, Dixon says he stayed the night in a guest room.
During the night, Perry allegedly entered the room and began touching him inappropriately. Dixon claims he immediately got out of bed and made it clear he was not interested.
Despite ignoring further messages, Dixon says Perry later offered him a role on The Oval. The lawsuit also references a 2021 incident in which Dixon alleges Perry pulled down his underwear and groped him while asking for a goodnight hug.
Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, dismissed the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “scam” and claiming the accusations are “fabricated” and “will fail.” A lawyer for Dixon has not publicly responded.
Tyler Perry is best known for his Madea film series and for building one of the largest film studios in the U.S. In 2019, he opened a 330-acre complex in Atlanta, where productions such as Black Panther, The Walking Dead, and Pitch Perfect 3 have been filmed.
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