June 18, (THEWILL) – Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against filmmaker, Tyler Perry, alleging sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation.
The legal complaint, filed on June 13 in Los Angeles, claims Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” while Dixon starred in Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless.
According to the lawsuit, Dixon alleges Perry first promised career opportunities, then turned to harassment when he rejected sexual advances. He says assaults happened at Perry’s home in 2020 and during a 2021 work meeting.
The actor claims these experiences left him with PTSD and physical health problems.
Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, strongly denied the accusations: “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”
The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual battery and assault, emotional distress, and retaliation. Dixon has asked for a jury trial to decide the case.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
