Los Angeles — Actor Derek Dixon, who filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, opened up in a national TV interview with ABC News Live PRIME, sharing gut-wrenching details about the alleged sexual harassment and assault while working on Perry’s series The Oval. The full interview will air tonight, but a preview clip offers a glimpse into the gravity of Dixon’s personal account.
In the teaser, Dixon recounts a chilling incident that occurred at Perry’s Atlanta home:
“I got into bed, and I noticed that he jumped into bed with me as well, and started rubbing my leg. And I jumped up out of bed,” he says.
He continues emotionally, saying:
“Unless someone has been through something where they have their control over their bodies taken away—you don’t really understand the kind of feelings that you get in that moment.”
Backdrop of the Lawsuit
Dixon filed the lawsuit in June 2025 in the Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Perry and Tyler Perry Studios of sexual assault, workplace harassment, and battery—seeking $260 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Perry used his influence to coerce Dixon with promises of creative opportunities, then escalated to unwanted advances after Dixon rebuffed him.
According to legal documents reviewed by the Associated Press, the complaint outlines several disturbing allegations: coercive manipulation, sexually suggestive messages, physical assault in Perry’s trailer and at his residence, and retaliation when Dixon did not reciprocate. Another source, The Daily Beast, reports Dixon suffered emotional trauma, PTSD, and financial losses—including an estimated $400,000 in earnings after leaving The Oval.
Dixon’s Public Statement & Legal Defense
Dixon has described filing the lawsuit as “terrifying,” yet necessary:
“I couldn’t just let him get away with this… Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
He hopes his actions will pave the way for other creatives to pursue their dreams with dignity intact.
Tyler Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has rebutted the accusations as false and opportunistic:
“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.”
What’s Next
- Full airing of the ABC News Live PRIME interview later today will likely shed more light on Dixon’s experiences.
- The legal proceedings in Los Angeles Superior Court will unfold, potentially including motions, depositions, and discovery.
- The case may influence ongoing conversations about abuse of power and accountability within the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Derek Dixon, actor on The Oval and Ruthless |
| Allegations | Sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, emotional distress |
| Claim | $260 million in damages |
| Interview Preview | Alleged assault involved Perry climbing into Dixon’s bed and rubbing his thigh |
| Motivation | Dixon aims to protect future generations from abuse of power |
| Response from Perry | Denied. Claims are “fabricated” and part of a “scam.” |
