Tyler Perry, the entertainment powerhouse behind countless hit shows and films, is now facing serious legal trouble.
Derek Dixon, who played Dale on Perry’s popular BET series “The Oval,” has filed a massive $260 million sexual assault lawsuit against the mogul.
Dixon broke his silence in an emotional ABC News interview on September 9, sharing disturbing details about what he claims happened behind the scenes.
The actor alleges that Perry created a toxic work environment where professional lines were crossed and employees lived in fear.
The most shocking accusation centers around an incident at Perry’s Atlanta home. Dixon claims Perry pulled down his underwear and inappropriately grabbed him.
“I was constantly stressed out, terrified that if I didn’t go along with it, I’d lose my job or my character would suddenly disappear from the show,” Dixon revealed during the interview.
The staggering lawsuit amount isn’t just about money, according to Dixon.
He explained that part of it represents his lost career opportunities and income, while the rest serves as a wake-up call.
“How else do you get through to a billionaire who seems unstoppable?” he asked.
Dixon also claims Perry broke promises beyond the alleged harassment.
He says the producer agreed to help develop a pilot Dixon had written but never followed through, while still maintaining control over the project’s rights.
Despite knowing the potential consequences of speaking out against such a powerful figure, Dixon says he felt compelled to act.
“You can’t use someone’s dreams and ambitions to force them into inappropriate situations. That crosses every professional line there is,” he said.
Perry’s legal team isn’t backing down. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, fired back hard, calling the entire lawsuit “an elaborate scam.”
Boyd made it clear they’re ready for a fight: “Tyler won’t be intimidated by these tactics, and we’re confident these baseless claims will fall apart in court.”
The timeline reveals a pattern of escalating conflict. Dixon joined Perry’s production company in 2020, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission early in 2024, left “The Oval” later that year, and launched his lawsuit this past June.
For now, Dixon stands alone as the only person to publicly accuse Perry of such behavior.
