Nearly one month after filing a lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault and battery, actor Derek Dixon opens up about his decision to come forward. Dixon, who worked with Perry on shows The Oval and Ruthless, has leveled serious allegations against the Hollywood mogul.
Dixon’s lawsuit, filed on June 17, 2025, accuses Perry of sexual assault, harassment, battery, and workplace misconduct occurring over several years. In response, Perry’s lawyer, Matthew Boyd, denied the allegations, stating, “Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
In his first public statements following the lawsuit, Dixon explained his motivations for coming forward now, saying, “I couldn’t just let him get away with this.” He emphasized the importance of a workplace free from harassment, asserting:
Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them. My goal is to help ensure that the next generation of actors and creatives don’t have to choose between their dreams and their dignity.
Over a year has passed since Dixon filed a sexual harassment complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is still pending. His decision to quit working on The Oval was part of an effort to no longer remain silent about his experiences with Perry.
I was an employee, and he was my boss. The fact that I’m an actor doesn’t make me any less an employee. For a long time, I convinced myself that it was part of the industry, or that somehow I had to accept it to keep working. But eventually, I couldn’t stay silent anymore.
Dixon also discussed the mixed reactions he’s received since making his allegations public. While Perry has denied the claims, Dixon has faced death threats and harassment, stating, “is why people, especially men, don’t come forward.” However, he’s also received messages from others who have had similar experiences with Perry.
Choosing to pursue a public lawsuit rather than a private settlement, Dixon feared that Perry would continue his alleged behavior if the matter remained confidential. He indicated that attempts to resolve the situation privately had occurred but did not result in necessary change.
There are always attempts to resolve situations like this privately, but they never result in the type of change necessary to protect further victims. At the end of the day, my absolute fear is that he will be able to continue doing this without any major consequences.
As Dixon’s allegations unfold, Tyler Perry’s thirteenth Madea film, Madea’s Destination Wedding, is set to release on Netflix.
More On Derek Dixon’s Allegations About Tyler Perry
Dixon first met Perry in 2019 while working an event at Tyler Perry Studios. Following a brief exchange, Perry offered him an audition for Ruthless. The alleged harassment began in January 2020 when Dixon claims Perry climbed into bed with him after a night of drinking, leading him to exit the situation by saying, “I’m not that sexual.”
Following this encounter, Perry offered Dixon a larger role on The Oval and expressed interest in shooting a pilot of a comedy he had written. This created a false sense of security for Dixon. However, inappropriate advances continued, including an incident in which Perry allegedly pushed him against a wall and grabbed his buttocks.
According to Dixon, Perry’s behavior included sending inappropriate texts, which took a toll on his mental health, prompting him to seek antidepressant medication. Additionally, Perry allegedly yelled at Dixon on set, questioning if he needed physical punishment to improve his performance.
The lawsuit claims that Perry sexually assaulted Dixon again in June 2021 after a meeting about the pilot. After both became intoxicated, Perry allegedly pulled down Dixon’s underwear during a hug and restrained him. Dixon believed he was in danger, repeatedly saying “No,” “Stop,” and “I don’t want this.” He eventually locked himself in a bathroom to escape the situation.
After distancing himself from Perry, Dixon was offered a raise and the pilot was shot in March 2022. However, he later discovered that Perry’s deal with Viacom prevented the pilot’s promotion for two years. Ultimately, Dixon left, filed the EEOC complaint, and ceased working with Perry.
Derek Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in damages in his lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault and battery. As the legal battle unfolds, the wait for a resolution may stretch into months or even years.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter