Tyler Perry Sexual Assault Accusation by Derek Dixon

In a shocking development that has rocked the entertainment world, actor Derek Dixon, known for his role as Dale on Tyler Perry’s hit TV show The Oval, has filed a $260 million lawsuit against the renowned filmmaker. Dixon accuses Perry of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation, alleging a years-long pattern of inappropriate behavior that began in 2019. This explosive case has sparked heated discussions across Hollywood and beyond, raising questions about power dynamics in the industry and the experiences of those working under influential figures like Perry. Let’s dive into the details of this high-profile legal battle, exploring the accusations, Perry’s response, and what it all means.

Who Is Derek Dixon?

Derek Dixon is an actor and screenwriter who gained recognition for his work on Tyler Perry’s BET series The Oval and its spinoff Ruthless. Playing the character Dale, a gay, homeless store clerk in The Oval, Dixon appeared in 85 episodes of the political drama, making him a familiar face to fans of Perry’s work. Before his acting career took off, Dixon worked for an event company that organized a party at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta in 2019. It was at this event that Dixon claims he first met Perry, setting the stage for the troubling interactions that followed.

Dixon’s lawsuit paints him as a rising star who was eager to break into the entertainment industry. His allegations suggest that Perry, a powerful media mogul, took advantage of that ambition, using promises of career advancement to manipulate him. As the case unfolds, Dixon’s story has drawn attention to the challenges faced by aspiring actors navigating relationships with influential figures.

How It All Began: The 2019 Encounter

The story starts in September 2019 at a Tyler Perry Studios event in Atlanta, where Dixon was working as part of the event staff. According to the lawsuit, Perry noticed Dixon among the crowd, asked if he was an actor, and requested his phone number, hinting at potential acting opportunities. For Dixon, this was a dream come true—a chance to work with one of Hollywood’s biggest names. Soon after, Perry allegedly followed through, offering Dixon a small role in Ruthless, a Tyler Perry series, which later led to a more significant part in The Oval.

However, Dixon claims that what started as a professional opportunity quickly turned uncomfortable. He alleges that Perry began sending him sexually suggestive text messages and making inappropriate comments. These early interactions, Dixon says, marked the beginning of a pattern of harassment that would escalate over the next few years.

Alleged Incidents of Harassment and Assault

Dixon’s lawsuit details several disturbing incidents that he claims occurred between 2019 and 2021. These allegations form the core of his $260 million claim against Perry and Tyler Perry Studios. Here’s a breakdown of the key incidents described in the legal documents:

January 2020: The First Alleged Assault

In January 2020, Dixon alleges that Perry invited him to his Atlanta home after a night of drinking. Feeling tired and possibly intoxicated, Dixon went to sleep in a guest room, wearing only his underwear. According to the lawsuit, Perry entered the room, slipped into bed with Dixon, and began touching him inappropriately around his inner thighs. Dixon says he was shocked and uncomfortable but managed to deflect Perry’s advances by changing the subject. This incident, Dixon claims, was the first of several unwanted encounters.

October 2020: On-Set Incident

After joining the cast of The Oval, Dixon alleges that Perry’s behavior became more aggressive. In one incident on the set of the show, Perry reportedly invited Dixon to his trailer, where he interrogated him about his sexuality and asked if he was a “top or bottom” in sexual relationships. Dixon claims Perry then pinned him against a wall and groped his buttocks aggressively. Feeling trapped, Dixon says he escaped the trailer but feared speaking out, worried that Perry could end his career.

June 2021: Guest House Encounter

One of the most serious allegations occurred in June 2021 at Perry’s Atlanta home. Dixon claims he was staying in the guest house to discuss a script he had written, titled Losing It, which Perry had expressed interest in producing. According to Dixon, Perry entered the guest house while he was in bed, pulled down his underwear, and groped him while making suggestive comments like, “Relax and just let it happen.” Dixon says he locked himself in a bathroom out of fear of further assault and later rebuffed Perry’s advances by saying he wasn’t a sexual person. This incident, Dixon alleges, left him deeply traumatized.

Ongoing Harassment and Texts

Throughout their professional relationship, Dixon claims Perry sent him frequent, sexually explicit text messages. These messages reportedly included flirtatious remarks, references to Dixon as a “pet,” and comments about his sex life. Screenshots of these alleged conversations have surfaced online, showing Perry making suggestive remarks and Dixon attempting to steer the conversation away from sexual topics. Dixon says he tolerated the messages out of fear that rejecting Perry outright would jeopardize his role on The Oval.

The Power Dynamic: Career Threats and Retaliation

A central theme of Dixon’s lawsuit is the power imbalance between him and Perry. As a media mogul with control over casting, contracts, and creative decisions, Perry allegedly used his influence to pressure Dixon into complying with his advances. The lawsuit claims Perry made it clear that Dixon’s role as Dale on The Oval could be expanded or eliminated based on his willingness to “keep Perry happy.” In one instance, Perry reportedly implied that Dixon’s character would “die” in the next season if he didn’t engage with Perry’s sexual innuendos.

Dixon also alleges that Perry offered to produce his script, Losing It, as a way to manipulate him further. After the alleged 2021 assault, Perry’s team reportedly offered Dixon a $6,000-per-episode raise to return for another season of The Oval and expressed interest in buying the rights to his script. However, Dixon claims these offers were attempts to silence him about the harassment. When Dixon declined to return to the show and filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024, he says Perry warned him that speaking out would violate his contract and ruin his career.

Tyler Perry’s Response: Denying the Allegations

Tyler Perry, through his attorney Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied all of Dixon’s allegations, calling the lawsuit a “scam” designed for financial gain. Boyd issued a statement asserting that Perry “will not be shaken down” and expressing confidence that the claims will fail in court. Perry’s legal team argues that Dixon got close to the filmmaker with the intent of setting up a fraudulent scheme. They have dismissed the accusations as baseless and emphasized Perry’s reputation as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Perry, known for his Madea franchise, The Oval, Ruthless, and the recent Netflix thriller Straw, has not personally commented on the lawsuit beyond his attorney’s statement. His camp maintains that the allegations are fabricated and that Perry’s interactions with Dixon were professional. However, the public release of alleged text messages between the two has fueled speculation and debate, with some questioning the context of the exchanges and others pointing to them as evidence of inappropriate behavior.

The Impact on Derek Dixon

Dixon’s lawsuit details the emotional and physical toll of the alleged harassment. He claims to have suffered from acute stress, insomnia, stomach issues, and dangerously low cortisol levels as a result of Perry’s actions. These symptoms, he says, led to a prescription for the antidepressant Zoloft and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dixon’s decision to leave The Oval in June 2024, after filing his EEOC complaint, was driven by his fear of further harassment and assault. He alleges that the experience damaged his professional reputation and caused significant mental anguish.

Dixon’s legal team compares Perry to other high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Sean “Diddy” Combs, arguing that his wealth and influence have led him to believe he can act without consequences. The lawsuit seeks $260 million in damages for sexual harassment, assault, battery, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, reflecting the severity of the alleged misconduct.

The Bigger Picture: Power and Accountability in Hollywood

This case has sparked broader conversations about power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Dixon’s allegations highlight the vulnerability of aspiring actors who rely on influential figures like Perry for career opportunities. The lawsuit draws parallels to other Hollywood scandals, where powerful individuals have been accused of exploiting their authority to coerce or manipulate others. As the #MeToo movement continues to reshape the industry, Dixon’s case raises questions about accountability and the protections in place for actors and crew members working on high-profile productions.

The public reaction to the lawsuit has been mixed. Some fans of Perry have expressed skepticism about Dixon’s claims, pointing to Perry’s long-standing reputation as a generous mentor to up-and-coming talent. Others have rallied behind Dixon, emphasizing the importance of believing survivors and holding powerful figures accountable. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with leaked text messages adding fuel to the debate. While some users dismiss the messages as harmless banter, others see them as evidence of a troubling dynamic.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit, filed on June 13, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, is still in its early stages. Dixon’s legal team is seeking a substantial financial settlement, but the case could take months or even years to resolve. Perry’s attorneys are expected to mount a vigorous defense, likely challenging the credibility of Dixon’s claims and the authenticity of the text messages. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Perry’s career, Tyler Perry Studios, and the broader entertainment industry.

For now, both sides are preparing for a legal battle that will likely attract intense media scrutiny. Dixon’s decision to come forward with his allegations, despite the potential backlash, underscores the courage it takes to challenge a powerful figure. Whether the court will side with Dixon or Perry remains to be seen, but the case has already sparked important discussions about workplace safety and accountability.

Why This Matters to You

At Phacts, we’re committed to bringing you the unfiltered truth about the stories shaping our world. The allegations against Tyler Perry are a reminder that no one is above scrutiny, no matter how successful or influential. This case isn’t just about one actor and one filmmaker—it’s about the systems that allow powerful individuals to operate unchecked and the bravery it takes to speak out. As this story unfolds, we’ll keep you updated with the latest developments, grounded in facts and free from sensationalism.

Join the Phacts Community

What do you think about the allegations against Tyler Perry? Do you believe Derek Dixon’s claims, or do you think there’s more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments section on phactsblog.com, and let’s start a conversation about power, accountability, and justice in Hollywood. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on this case and other stories that matter. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop, and share this article with friends to keep the discussion going. At Phacts, we’re all about getting to the truth—join us in digging deeper!

• ShareCopied to clipboard