Just After Releasing His New Netflix Movie ‘Straw’, Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault by ‘The Oval’ Actor

Actor, producer, director, and writer, Tyler Perry, is being accused of sexual assault by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked on the former’s BET political drama series, The Oval. TMZ was the first to deliver the news that will lock the pair in a legal battle after Dixon sued Perry for $260 million in damages. According to the documents, Dixon claims that he met Perry back in 2019 at an event during which the latter allegedly approached him in a crowd and took his phone number, insinuating that he had a role for him. According to the actor, the filmmaker later invited him to his home in Atlanta in January 2020, where he alleges that — after drinking too much and going to sleep in a guestroom — Perry entered his quarters, got into his bed, and began touching his thighs. Dixon says that not only did he turn down the industry mogul’s advances, but that his intention in going to his home was to strike up a friendship — never having romantic feelings towards Perry.

In Dixon’s filing, he claims that Perry’s alleged inappropriate behavior geared up after he was cast in The Oval. According to the performer, Perry, who recently released a new Netflix film titled Straw, continuously sent him provocative texts, asking him about his sexual preferences and revealing that he was attracted to men. As to why he’s never come forth with his allegations until now, Dixon says he was worried that his career would crash and burn if he spoke out about sexual harassment. The lawsuit also includes a statement from Dixon about a time when The Six Triple Eight helmer allegedly got violent with him, as well as a string of text messages from both parties that Dixon claims were sent over the span of a few years.

What Damages Derek Dixon Is Naming in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit also adds that Dixon left The Oval after the alleged years-long sexual harassment events and turned to the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission in June 2024 to file a complaint. The documents name Perry and Tyler Perry Studios for quid pro quo, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery.

In a statement, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, said,

“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

Stay tuned to Collider for more information.