Tyler Perry Sued for $260M by “The Oval” Actor Over Sexual Harassment Claims

Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for $260 million, alleging years of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation during their work together on Perry’s BET shows “The Oval” and “Ruthless.”

In a complaint filed June 13 in Los Angeles, Dixon claimed Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic,” initially promising career opportunities but later subjecting him to inappropriate advances and retaliation when rebuffed. Dixon said the behavior began after meeting Perry at the 2019 Tyler Perry Studios opening in Atlanta and escalated during his time on “Ruthless” and “The Oval.”

Dixon alleged Perry sexually assaulted him at his home in January 2020 and again in 2021, and that his character’s fate was manipulated based on whether he “kept Perry happy.” He also accused Perry of groping him during a Bahamas trip and claimed he was diagnosed with PTSD following the alleged incidents.

Matthew Boyd, an attorney for Perry, denied the allegations, calling them “a scam,” and said, “Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

Dixon claimed Perry’s team offered him incentives to return to the show and buy the rights to his pilot, “Losing It.” After moving to California in 2023, Dixon said he left “The Oval” during its final season, resulting in nearly $400,000 in lost income.

He’s seeking a jury trial on claims including sexual assault, retaliation, and emotional distress. Perry has not personally commented beyond his legal team’s statement.