Actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Tyler Perry’s 'The Oval', has filed a lawsuit accusing the filmmaker of sexual assault and harassment. Perry’s team denies the claims, calling them a "scam."  

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Dixon says he first met Perry at an event in 2019, where Perry allegedly approached him, asked for his number, and later cast him in a small role on "Ruthless".  

In early 2020, Dixon claims Perry invited him to his Atlanta home. After drinking too much, Dixon says he stayed overnight in a guest room where he alleges Perry got into bed with him and touched his thighs. Dixon says he rejected the advance but claims Perry later sent him sexually suggestive texts while he was working on 'The Oval'.  

Dixon also alleges that his character a gay, homeless man who traded sex for shelter mirrored what Perry supposedly wanted in real life: a dependent, loyal partner. Dixon says he avoided outright rejecting Perry out of fear for his career.  

The lawsuit describes another alleged incident in 2020 where Perry reportedly made explicit comments and grabbed Dixon by the throat. Then, in 2021, Dixon claims Perry entered his guest room, pulled down his underwear, and groped him while telling him to "relax."  

After filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - EEOC in 2024, Dixon quit 'The Oval' and is now suing Perry and his studio for sexual harassment, assault, and battery, seeking $260 million in damages.  

Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, responded: "This appears to be a setup for a scam. Tyler won’t be shaken down, and we’re confident these fabricated claims will fail." TMZ report

Obgist - more news more insight