Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges that the filmmaker used his influence in the entertainment industry to pressure him into a coercive sexual dynamic.
In the lawsuit filed on June 13, Dixon accuses Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, assault, battery, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY, Dixon claims that after being offered acting roles by Perry, he became the target of “escalating sexual harassment and manipulation” when he did not reciprocate Perry’s alleged advances.
Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of Perry’s political drama The Oval between 2021 and 2025, alleges that the harassment began after he was discovered at a 2019 studio opening party hosted by Perry. He was later cast in Perry’s Ruthless series and eventually landed what would become his most notable screen role on The Oval.
But behind the scenes, Dixon claims, Perry’s professional support came with strings attached. According to the suit, Perry’s interactions became increasingly aggressive and manipulative, eventually causing Dixon to leave the show in its sixth season.
“Tyler Perry used his position of power to create a toxic and exploitative environment,” the complaint alleges. “He lured vulnerable actors with promises of fame, money, and stability—only to weaponize those opportunities as leverage for sexual gain.”
The lawsuit includes references to text messages and screenshots, which Dixon says support his claims. He further alleges that Perry would “kill off” characters of actors who refused his alleged advances—creating a culture of fear and silence among cast members.
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In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd called the allegations “completely fabricated,” asserting that the actor was motivated by greed.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd said. “Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident that these claims will be dismissed in court.”
Dixon paints a picture of a media powerhouse allegedly abusing his authority for years. In the suit, he describes feeling “trapped,” fearing that any resistance would mean the end of his acting career before it had truly begun.
The case has stirred conversation across Hollywood, especially given Perry’s long-standing reputation as a self-made success story and a philanthropic figure. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely as the story unfolds—questioning how allegations of power abuse will be handled when leveled against one of the industry’s most influential creators.
So far, Perry has not made a public comment beyond his legal team’s statement. The case is expected to proceed to a pre-trial hearing in the coming months.
