Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit over allegations of years of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. It was filed by his co-star Derek Dixion on June 13, 2025.
The file names Perry, his production companies TPS Production Services and And Action LLC, as well as 50 unnamed defendants. Dixon alleges that Perry had used his influence and power to pressure and sexually harass Dixon all while promising an advancement in his career, creating an exploitative relationship.
Perry allegedly first approached Dixon back in 2019 while the latter was working a private gig for Perry’s studio. The suit says that Perry gave him an acting opportunity and soon cast Dixon on “The Oval.” As time passed, Perry started to send him inappropriate messages, groped him, and committed multiple other incidents of sexual misconduct.
In a particular incident, Dixon recalls that one time he was pinned against the wall and assaulted by Perry in his trailer. Whenever Dixon would reject his advances, Perry would write his character off the show and threaten him with removal.
Dixon ultimately left the show when Perry’s team terminated him without pay after a complaint he filed. Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, says that the allegations are fabricated claims and that Dixon is setting up a scam.
In the lawsuit, Dixon reportedly seeks compensation for attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief, and punitive damages for the malicious conduct by Perry and his production companies. This is a developing story.
