American actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has been slammed with a $260 million lawsuit by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses him of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation.
According to Dixon, he met Perry in September 2019 while working at the opening of Tyler Perry Studios.
He later secured roles in Perry’s shows “Ruthless” and “The Oval”, where he played the character Dale.
Dixon alleged that Perry initially promised him career growth and creative opportunities, including producing his pilot and offering him acting roles.
However, he claims the relationship took a dark turn when he refused Perry’s alleged advances.
In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on June 13, Dixon alleged that Perry sexually assaulted him at his home in January 2020.
A month later, Dixon said he was offered a series regular role on “The Oval”.
He further claimed that Perry used his character’s storyline to manipulate him, warning that if he did not engage with the alleged sexual overtures, his role would be cut off. Dixon’s character was later shot four times in the series.
In response to the suit, Perry’s attorney dismissed the claims, calling them fabricated and labeling the case as a “scam.”
