BET actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, accusing the media mogul of repeated sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation tied to roles in Perry’s TV productions.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County on June 13, 2025, outlines a series of allegations that span from 2020 to 2024. Dixon, known for roles in The Oval and Ruthless, claims he was coerced into sexual situations in exchange for promised career opportunities. The suit alleges a pattern of unwanted sexual advances, physical assault, and threats to derail his acting career if he did not comply.
Among the most disturbing claims are text messages allegedly sent by Perry, including one that read, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” Dixon says he was invited to Perry’s home in Georgia where the media executive allegedly groped him, forcibly undressed him, and later committed sexual battery.
Dixon contends that after resisting Perry’s advances, he was retaliated against—losing his role on The Oval and missing out on other opportunities promised to him. He claims nearly $400,000 in lost income and says the experience has left him with emotional distress and a PTSD diagnosis.
The lawsuit seeks $260 million in punitive damages and names Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry Studios, and TPS Production Services. Dixon is requesting a jury trial.
Perry, through his attorney, has denied the claims and called the lawsuit “a scam,” asserting that the accusations are completely false and will be disproven.
This high-profile case comes amid ongoing conversations about abuse of power in Hollywood and raises broader questions about the influence wielded by entertainment executives over aspiring talent.
