Derek Dixon Files Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is being sued by The Oval actor Derek Dixon, who is accusing him of years of unwanted sexual advances and harassment. In court documents obtained by TMZ, Dixon claims the misconduct started after a chance meeting at an event in 2019, where Perry allegedly singled him out, exchanged numbers, and offered the possibility of a role.

The following year, Dixon says he visited Perry’s Atlanta home, hoping to build a professional connection. That night, after drinking too much, Dixon says he passed out in a guest room and woke up to Perry in the bed beside him, touching his thighs. Although he says he made it clear he wasn’t interested, the behavior allegedly escalated.

According to the suit, Dixon was later offered parts in Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval. Around this time, he claims Perry began sending sexually explicit texts, asking about his preferences and telling him, “I have sex with men.” Dixon’s character on The Oval was written as a vulnerable man who had to use sex to survive, a role he says mirrored Perry’s alleged interest in a submissive partner.

Dixon recalls another visit to Perry’s home in late 2020, where he alleges Perry asked provocative questions and suddenly grabbed him by the neck, saying, “Look how excited you just got.” He says the most extreme incident took place in 2021, when Perry allegedly pulled down his underwear during a late-night visit and told him, “Relax and just let it happen.”

Feeling trapped, Dixon says he remained silent to protect his career, but filed a formal complaint with the EEOC in 2024 before leaving the show. He’s now seeking $260 million in damages. Perry’s attorney has called the claims a “shakedown” and says they intend to fight the lawsuit.