Tyler Perry Hit with $260 Million Lawsuit by Actor Derek Dixon Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

WorldWide Entertainment TV | June 2025 — One of Hollywood’s most powerful figures, Tyler Perry, is now at the center of a serious legal controversy that could impact his career, his production empire, and how the entertainment world grapples with accusations of power misuse.

Derek Dixon, who portrayed Dale on the hit BET series The Oval and Ruthless, has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing the media mogul of sexual harassment, assault, emotional abuse, and career retaliation as reported by TMZ.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

According to the court filing, Dixon claims that from 2019 to 2021, Perry used his position of influence to initiate unwanted sexual advances. When rebuffed, the actor alleges, Perry’s behavior escalated — both physically and professionally.

Key allegations include:

• Unwanted Touching: Dixon alleges that Perry groped him during a cast trip to the Bahamas and at Perry’s Atlanta mansion.

• Power Play Retaliation: Dixon claims Perry tried to coerce him into sexual activity with the promise of boosting his career. When he refused, he says his character was written off the show — shot multiple times in a graphic scene — symbolizing a form of retaliation.

• Mental Health Repercussions: The actor states he developed PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and had to be prescribed medication due to the emotional distress.

• “Hush Money” Allegation: The lawsuit also accuses Perry and his team of offering Dixon financial incentives and creative opportunities — including funding for Dixon’s show Losing It — in exchange for his silence about the misconduct.

Legal Grounds of the Lawsuit

Dixon’s legal team is suing Perry on multiple counts:

• Sexual harassment

• Assault and battery

• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

• Retaliation and workplace discrimination

• Breach of implied contract

The damages sought total $260 million, including punitive damages, emotional distress compensation, and economic losses tied to lost future earnings and professional opportunities.

Tyler Perry’s Legal Response

Through his attorney Matthew Boyd, Perry has categorically denied all claims. In a public statement, Boyd called the lawsuit “a shakedown attempt” and described the accusations as “completely fabricated”.

“Mr. Perry has always operated with the utmost professionalism,” the statement reads. “We are confident this matter will be dismissed or disproven in court.”

Perry himself has not issued a direct public comment but is expected to defend himself aggressively, given the size of the suit and the potential reputational damage.

About Derek Dixon

Derek Dixon was a rising star on The Oval, portraying the character “Dale,” a grocery clerk with a tangled storyline. His performances earned him a fan following, and he was considered a mainstay of the Tyler Perry/BET universe.

According to the lawsuit, Dixon felt his career was just beginning to take off before the alleged misconduct and his eventual removal from the show.

The filing also reveals Dixon’s intended expansion into writing and producing, which he claims Perry initially supported before allegedly rescinding his support after Dixon’s rejection of sexual advances.

Cultural & Industry Implications

This lawsuit is making headlines not just because of its size, but because of who is being accused. Tyler Perry has long been considered an industry trailblazer — the first African-American to own a major film studio outright, a consistent force in Black entertainment, and a philanthropist.

However, Dixon’s claims strike at the very heart of Hollywood’s ongoing reckoning with abuse of power. While the #MeToo movement has largely focused on high-profile producers and directors in traditional Hollywood, this case underscores that no corner of the entertainment world is immune, even those known for uplifting underrepresented voices.

What Happens Next?

• Court Proceedings: As of June 2025, a trial date has not been set. Pre-trial motions, discovery, and possible depositions could take months.

• Industry Fallout: BET, which airs The Oval and Ruthless, has yet to release a statement. There may be pressure for internal investigations or even programming shifts depending on how the case unfolds.

• Public Reaction: While some supporters have called for patience and due process, others are expressing concern and disappointment over the gravity of the allegations.

Final Thoughts

The Tyler Perry–Derek Dixon case is one of the most significant legal stories involving a Black Hollywood mogul in recent years. If the case proceeds to trial, it could reshape conversations around power dynamics, sexual misconduct, and accountability within Black entertainment spaces — especially those that pride themselves on being safe, inclusive, and empowering.

WWETV will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as it develops.