TYLER PERRY SUED BY A MAN
DEREK DIXON HAS SUED TYLER PERRY FOR SEXUAL HARRASSMENT
BY SNN.BZ STAFF
Derek Dixon vs. Tyler Perry: A Detailed Overview of the Sexual Harassment LawsuitOn June 13, 2025, actor and screenwriter Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging sexual harassment, assault, battery, and professional retaliation.
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The case, Dixon v. Perry et al. (Case No. 25STCV17235), has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the severity of the allegations.
Background of the Case: Derek Dixon, known for his role as Dale in over 85 episodes of Perry’s BET series The Oval, alleges that Perry, a media mogul behind the Madea franchise and Tyler Perry Studios, used his industry influence to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic.”
Dixon claims that Perry initially promised career advancement, including roles in Ruthless and The Oval and the production of Dixon’s pilot Losing It, but these opportunities came with escalating sexual advances, harassment, and assaults. When Dixon resisted, he alleges Perry retaliated by threatening his job security and ultimately stalling his career.The two met in September 2019 at the opening party for Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, where Dixon was working for an event company.
Perry, reportedly impressed by Dixon, exchanged contact information and offered him a small role in Ruthless by November 2019. This marked the beginning of their professional relationship, which Dixon claims quickly turned exploitative.Allegations of Sexual Harassment and AssaultDixon’s 46-page complaint details multiple incidents of alleged misconduct spanning from 2020 to 2023:
- January 2020 Incident at Perry’s Home: Dixon alleges that after being invited to Perry’s home in Douglasville, Georgia, for drinks, Perry encouraged him to stay overnight due to intoxication. While Dixon slept in a guest room in his underwear, Perry allegedly slipped into bed and began “rubbing Dixon’s body around his inner thigh in a highly sexual and suggestive manner.” Dixon claims he jumped out of bed, stated he was “not that sexual,” and rebuffed Perry’s advances. Perry allegedly responded by asking Dixon to turn around to see him naked in his underwear.
- March 2020 Trailer Incident: While filming The Oval, Perry allegedly invited Dixon to his trailer for drinks. During a conversation, Perry reportedly asked intrusive questions about Dixon’s sexual preferences, pinned him against a wall, and groped him. Dixon says he pushed Perry away and left, feeling “severely nauseous and extremely anxious” about his job security.
- October 2020 Bahamas Cast Trip: During a cast trip, Perry allegedly groped Dixon in a sexual manner, further escalating the harassment.
- June 2021 Guest House Assault: While discussing Dixon’s pilot Losing It at Perry’s home, Perry allegedly pulled down Dixon’s underwear and “vigorously grabbed, groped, and played with Dixon’s buttocks in a sexual manner.” Dixon claims he was “naked, stunned, and seized by tremendous fear” but managed to de-escalate the situation. Perry later apologized, attributing the incident to alcohol, and promised to produce Losing It while offering Dixon a $6,000 per episode raise on The Oval. Dixon alleges this was an attempt to silence him.
Dixon’s lawsuit includes screenshots of text messages allegedly sent by Perry, which are sexually explicit. Examples include Perry asking, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” and stating, “No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to fk you. I would fk you.”
Another message reportedly warned Dixon not to disclose their friendship to The Oval cast, suggesting it could undermine Dixon’s professional reputation: “If you let the cast know that you and I have a new friendship then you are opening yourself up to a lot of questions and foolishness.”
Dixon alleges that Perry used his control over The Oval to manipulate him. For instance, Dixon’s character, Dale—a gay, homeless store clerk—was shot four times at the end of his first season, leaving his fate uncertain. Perry reportedly implied that Dale’s survival depended on Dixon keeping him “happy,” creating a quid pro quo dynamic. Dixon claims he lived in constant fear of losing his job if he rejected Perry’s advances outright.
Professional Retaliation and Emotional Toll
Dixon alleges that Perry retaliated when he resisted. After the 2020 assaults, Dixon ignored Perry’s messages until Perry offered him a series regular role on The Oval in February 2020. However, Dixon claims Perry continued to send suggestive texts and make inappropriate comments on set, treating him as an “on-call pet.”
When Dixon moved to Los Angeles in January 2023 to distance himself from Perry, the harassment allegedly persisted. Dixon filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2024, but claims no action was taken by The Oval’s producers. Ultimately, Dixon quit the show mid-sixth season, forfeiting an estimated $400,000 in income.
The lawsuit details significant emotional and physical tolls on Dixon, including severe depression, anxiety, insomnia, stomach issues, and a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), for which he was prescribed antidepressants. Dixon attributes these to Perry’s alleged actions and the fear of career sabotage.
Legal Claims and Damages Sought
Dixon’s lawsuit lists multiple causes of action under California law, including:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment
- Workplace sexual harassment
- Sexual battery and assault
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Retaliation under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
- Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of an employee
- Violations of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act
Dixon seeks at least $260 million in damages, including punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief. He has requested a jury trial. The lawsuit also names Tyler Perry Studios Production Services and And Action LLC as co-defendants, along with 50 unnamed individuals.
Tyler Perry’s Response
Perry, through his attorney Matthew Boyd, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “scam” and a “shakedown.” Boyd stated, “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.” Perry’s team has not yet filed a formal response in court, but a Case Management Conference is scheduled for October 15, 2025. Defendants may seek to dismiss the complaint via motions such as a demurrer or summary judgment, arguing the allegations lack legal merit.
Public and Legal Context
The lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions online. Some X posts express skepticism, questioning the $260 million demand and Dixon’s motives, with comments suggesting the timing—coinciding with Perry’s success with a Netflix film—may indicate a publicity stunt. Others support Dixon, citing the detailed allegations and text message evidence as compelling.
Some posts reference unverified rumors about Perry’s personal life, but these lack substantiation and are not relevant to the legal claims.Dixon’s complaint draws parallels to high-profile cases against figures like Harvey Weinstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs, framing Perry as part of a broader pattern of powerful men exploiting vulnerable individuals in the entertainment industry. However, without additional accusers coming forward, the case currently hinges on Dixon’s testimony, text message evidence, and any corroborating documentation or witnesses that may emerge during discovery.
Current Status and Implications
As of July 1, 2025, the defendants have not been personally served, per the latest court docket. The October 15, 2025, Case Management Conference will likely set timelines for discovery and potential motions. The case carries significant implications: for Dixon, it’s a fight for justice and career restoration; for Perry, it risks reputational damage to his billion-dollar media empire. Public disclosure of further evidence during discovery or trial could intensify scrutiny of Perry’s workplace practices.
The allegations remain unproven, and no court has ruled on the merits of the case. The text messages, while suggestive, do not conclusively prove assault or harassment without further context, and Perry’s defense may argue they reflect a consensual relationship or are misinterpreted. The high damage amount has raised eyebrows, potentially undermining Dixon’s credibility in the eyes of some observers, but it may also reflect the severe emotional and professional harm he claims to have suffered.Critical ConsiderationsWhile the lawsuit includes detailed allegations and text message evidence, several factors warrant caution:
- Lack of Corroboration: As of now, Dixon is the sole accuser, unlike cases involving multiple victims. Additional witnesses or accusers could strengthen or weaken the case.
- Text Message Context: The leaked messages are sexually
