Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Harassment and Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

Strategic Insights -

Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Tyler Perry for years, has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing Perry of creating a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" with him while they worked on the BET drama series "The Oval." Dixon alleges that Perry initially promised him career advancement and creative opportunities, but then subjected him to escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery. Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd, has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations "fabricated claims of harassment."

Key Takeaways:

  • Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial for claims of quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery.
  • Dixon alleges that he was promised career advancement and creative opportunities by Perry, but was instead subjected to escalating sexual harassment and assault.
  • The lawsuit alleges that Perry sent Dixon photos of his body from the set of "The Oval" with sexually suggestive comments, and that he groped Dixon in a sexual manner during a cast trip.
  • Dixon alleges that he continued to put up with Perry's advances due to fear for his career, and that he suffered physical and emotional harm as a result.
  • The lawsuit also accuses Perry of professional retaliation, including firing Dixon from the show "Ruthless" and not paying him for his work on "The Oval."
  • Dixon's lawsuit says he gave up a full payment of almost $400,000 when he left "The Oval" in its final season.
  • Dixon has stated that he has been taking medication to deal with the stress caused by Perry's actions, including Zoloft.

Statistics:

  • $260 million: The amount of damages that Dixon is seeking in the lawsuit.
  • 46 pages: The length of the complaint filed by Dixon against Perry.
  • 2019: The year that Dixon met Perry.
  • 2020: The year that Dixon claims he was sexually assaulted by Perry.
  • 2021: The year that Dixon claims Perry sent him photos of his body from the set of "The Oval."
  • 2023: The year that Dixon told Perry that he was moving away from Atlanta to California to put distance between them.

Sources:

  • A lawsuit filed by Derek Dixon against Tyler Perry in Los Angeles on June 13.
  • A statement by Perry's attorney, Matthew Boyd.
  • Perry's lawsuit against Dixon, filed in court in Atlanta.