Hollywood MOGUL Accused of Dark Coercion Scheme

Tyler Perry, one of Hollywood’s most influential moguls, now stands accused of exploiting his power to sexually assault and harass actor Derek Dixon in a shocking $260 million lawsuit that details multiple alleged forced encounters and career threats.

Key Takeaways

• Actor Derek Dixon is suing Tyler Perry for $260 million, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and using career opportunities as leverage for sexual favors.
• The lawsuit claims Perry subjected Dixon to escalating sexual harassment during their work on “Ruthless” and “The Oval,” including multiple alleged assaults.
• Dixon alleges Perry bought the rights to his pilot “Losing It” as a means of control, and offered raises and opportunities to keep him silent.
• Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has denied all allegations, calling them “fabricated claims” and “nothing more than setting up a scam.”
• Dixon reports being diagnosed with PTSD and experiencing severe depression and anxiety as a result of the alleged abuse.

Allegations of Exploitation and Power Abuse

Derek Dixon’s lawsuit against Tyler Perry paints a disturbing picture of alleged exploitation by one of entertainment’s most powerful figures. Filed in federal court, the $260 million suit details claims of quid pro quo sexual harassment, assault and battery, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Dixon alleges Perry systematically used his substantial industry influence to provide acting opportunities as bait, later demanding sexual compliance and threatening career destruction when rebuffed. The relationship reportedly began after a fateful meeting at Perry’s studio opening party in September 2019, when Dixon was cast in Perry’s BET+ show “Ruthless” and later in “The Oval.”

According to court documents, what started as professional opportunities quickly devolved into a pattern of sexual aggression. Dixon claims Perry’s advances escalated from inappropriate comments to forcible sexual acts, with the producer allegedly using Dixon’s role in his productions as leverage. The lawsuit provides detailed accounts of multiple incidents, including one where Perry allegedly forcibly removed Dixon’s clothing. When Dixon resisted these advances, he claims Perry retaliated by threatening his character’s future on the show.

Alleged Manipulation Through Career Opportunities

The lawsuit describes a calculated pattern of manipulation through career incentives. After one alleged assault, Perry reportedly apologized and offered to work with Dixon on a television pilot. Dixon later received a raise, which the lawsuit suggests was intended to buy his silence. In a particularly troubling claim, Perry allegedly purchased the rights to Dixon’s pilot “Losing It” with no genuine intention of developing it, using ownership as another form of leverage over the actor. These actions represent a disturbing abuse of industry power dynamics, with a major Hollywood figure allegedly exploiting an actor’s career aspirations for sexual gratification.

“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” says attorney Matthew Boyd.

Dixon reports that the alleged harassment and assault became so unbearable that he eventually moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles to distance himself from Perry. Despite the geographic separation, the psychological damage had allegedly already taken root. In December 2020, Dixon sought medical help for stress-related symptoms and was prescribed Zoloft. Court documents indicate he was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and experienced severe depression and anxiety, consequences that continue to affect his personal and professional life.

Tyler Perry faces a $260 million lawsuit from “The Oval” actor Derek Dixon, who accuses him of sexual assault, harassment and professional retaliation. Perry’s team calls the claims false and “a shakedown.” pic.twitter.com/8nr9pgWXlv

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) June 18, 2025

Perry’s Defense and Next Steps

Tyler Perry’s legal team has vehemently denied all allegations. His attorney, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the lawsuit as a transparent attempt at extortion, portraying Dixon as an opportunist rather than a victim. “But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” Boyd stated in response to the allegations. The strong denial sets the stage for what could be a protracted and contentious legal battle, pitting the word of a powerful entertainment mogul against an actor claiming victimization.

“But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” says attorney Matthew Boyd.

Before filing the lawsuit, Dixon took his grievances to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2024, but claims no action was taken, which ultimately led to his resignation and the current legal action. Dixon is seeking a jury trial and $260 million in damages – a figure that reflects not only the alleged personal harm but potentially also the message Dixon hopes to send about power dynamics in Hollywood. The case adds to ongoing conversations about sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and raises questions about accountability for powerful figures accused of exploiting their position.