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LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2025 (AP) — A shocking new lawsuit has been filed against filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual assault, harassment, and professional retaliation. The claim was brought by actor Derek Dixon, a cast member on the Perry-created BET series The Oval, where he appeared in 85 episodes.
The civil suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday and first reported by TMZ on Tuesday, seeks a minimum of $260 million in damages.
🔍 Allegations: Abuse of Power & Coercion
According to the lawsuit, Perry allegedly used his powerful status in Hollywood to manipulate Dixon with promises of career advancement, including producing a pilot and casting opportunities. The complaint claims this evolved into a pattern of “coercive, sexually exploitative behavior,” including repeated sexual harassment and assault.
“Mr. Perry took his success and power and used his considerable influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic with Mr. Dixon,” the lawsuit states.
The suit also alleges that Dixon suffered professional retaliation after resisting or attempting to speak out against Perry’s alleged behavior.
📢 Perry’s Response: “Fabricated Claims of Harassment”
In a statement issued Tuesday, Perry’s attorney Matthew Boyd strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false” and accusing Dixon of attempting to extort or manipulate the media mogul.
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” said Boyd. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
🎬 Background: Derek Dixon and The Oval
Derek Dixon has been a recurring presence on The Oval, a popular White House drama created by Tyler Perry for BET. The show, launched in 2019, has become one of Perry’s flagship scripted series on the network, known for its political intrigue and over-the-top drama.
Dixon is also a writer and aspiring producer. According to the lawsuit, he was led to believe that Perry would support his original pilot and help grow his career behind the scenes.
⚖️ Legal Context and Industry Impact
The lawsuit surfaces in an entertainment industry still grappling with the aftermath of the #MeToo movement and a renewed focus on holding powerful figures accountable. If the claims proceed, this could mark one of the most high-profile legal challenges Perry has faced in his career.
Legal experts suggest that, given Perry’s stature and the seriousness of the allegations, the case could draw significant attention and pressure on both parties to present substantial evidence.
📝 What Happens Next?
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No court date has been set yet for preliminary hearings.
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Perry has not made a personal public statement.
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BET, the network airing The Oval, has not commented on the lawsuit.
📰 Summary
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Accuser: Derek Dixon, actor on BET's The Oval
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Accused: Tyler Perry
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Claims: Sexual harassment, assault, coercion, professional retaliation
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Damages Sought: $260 million
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Perry’s Defense: Denies all allegations; calls them fabricated
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Status: Civil lawsuit filed; no criminal charges reported
Disclaimer: These are allegations from a civil complaint. Tyler Perry has denied all wrongdoing, and the case is pending judicial review. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.