Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault by Actor on His Long-Running TV Show

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Tyler Perry is facing a disturbing accusation of sexual assault from an actor on his long-running TV show, 'The Oval.' Derek Dixon alleges that Perry made unwanted advances towards him, including inviting him to his home, sending sexually suggestive texts, and physically groping him. Dixon claims that he feared losing his job if he rejected Perry's advances, and that he was subjected to years of harassment, which led to him filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and eventually quitting the show.

Key Takeaways:

  • Derek Dixon filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging quid pro quo and workplace sexual harassment, sexual assault, and battery.
  • Dixon claims that Perry invited him to his home, where he would drink excessively and eventually sleep in a guest room, where Perry would join him and start touching his thighs.
  • Perry allegedly sent Dixon sexually suggestive texts, including asking about his sexual preferences and telling him he has sex with men.
  • Dixon claims that he landed a role on 'The Oval' shortly after the incident, and that his character was written as a gay, homeless, and desperate individual who sleeps with other characters for a place to stay.
  • Dixon alleges that Perry told him he wanted someone in his life who would be loyal and dependent on him.
  • Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, claims that Dixon is setting up a "scam" and that Perry will not be shaken down by "fabricated claims of harassment."
  • The lawsuit includes years of text messages allegedly sent by Perry, most of which are sexually charged.
  • The most aggressive incident allegedly occurred in June 2021, when Perry reportedly came into Dixon's guest house, yanked down his underwear, and groped his butt.
  • Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages.

Statistics:

  • Tyler Perry's TV show 'The Oval' has been running for almost a decade, with Derek Dixon working on the show since at least 2020.
  • Dixon alleges that he received years of sexually suggestive texts from Perry, including over 20 messages in a single day.
  • Perry's attorney claims that Dixon has fabricated claims of harassment to "set up a scam."
  • The lawsuit states that Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in June 2024 and then quit the show due to alleged sexual harassment.
  • The most aggressive incident allegedly occurred in June 2021.

Sources:

  • TMZ article with details of the lawsuit and allegations against Tyler Perry
  • The lawsuit filed by Derek Dixon against Tyler Perry and Tyler Perry Studios
  • Interview with Tyler Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd.