Tyler Perry has been hit with a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. The actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET series The Oval and Ruthless, alleged that Perry sexually harassed, assaulted, and retaliated against him over several years. The lawsuit claims Perry used his industry influence to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic,” promising career advancement while subjecting Dixon to unwanted sexual advances.
Derek Dixon claims he was a victim of sexual assault at Tyler Perry’s Atlanta home on several occasions. He claims Perry sent sexually suggestive text messages and threatened to kill off Dixon’s character if he did not comply. He is seeking $260 million in damages for claims including sexual harassment, assault, battery, and retaliation.
Tyler Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “scam” and stating that Perry “will not be shaken down” and is confident the claims will fail.
