Shocking Lawsuit: ‘The Oval’ Actor Accuses Tyler Perry of Sexual Assault and Harassment

An actor, Derek Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of Tyler Perry’s show “The Oval,” has filed a lawsuit against Perry. He claims that Perry used his influence in the entertainment industry to sexually assault and harass him. The lawsuit seeks $260 million in damages.

Dixon alleges that Perry initially approached him in 2019, praising his work at a party and later offering him an audition. After landing a small role on another show, Dixon was cast in “The Oval.” According to the lawsuit, Perry began sending Dixon unwanted sexual text messages with messages like, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?”

As Perry’s advances intensified, Dixon tried to manage the situation. He wanted to stay on Perry’s good side but feared for his job. The lawsuit states that Perry threatened Dixon’s character’s future if he didn’t engage with his sexual suggestions. Dixon says that Perry assaulted him multiple times, including one incident where he allegedly stripped off Dixon’s clothing and groped him, despite Dixon’s clear refusals.

The day after one of these incidents, Perry reportedly apologized and promised to help Dixon with a TV pilot he wanted to produce. However, the lawsuit suggests that Perry’s intentions were not genuine and that he was using this as leverage.

Dixon eventually moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles to escape the situation. After filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2024, he left the show when no action was taken.

Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has denied the allegations, suggesting that Dixon’s accusations are an attempt to extort money.

Sexual misconduct in Hollywood has received significant attention in recent years. The #MeToo movement, which began in 2017, has led many individuals to come forward with their stories, which has prompted discussions around power dynamics in the industry.

According to a survey from the “Harassment in Hollywood” report, nearly 80% of women in the industry have experienced some form of harassment. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing conversation about how individuals can misuse their power, and it highlights the importance of creating safer environments for all workers in entertainment.

As this case unfolds, it could have broader implications for how allegations of sexual misconduct are handled in Hollywood, influencing both industry standards and legal frameworks.

For more details on sexual harassment in the workplace, you can refer to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website.

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