Derek Dixon Lawsuit, Everything About the Tyler Perry $260M Sexual Harassment Case You Must Know in 2025-2026
Actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against media mogul Tyler Perry in June 2025, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation during his time on BET’s “The Oval.” Dixon appeared in 85 episodes between 2021 and 2025 before filing the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court. Perry has denied all allegations through his attorneys.
Here’s everything you need to know about this ongoing legal battle.
What Are the Allegations?
Dixon claims Perry engaged in a “sustained pattern of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual assault, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress” while serving as his employer and executive producer.
The complaint details several alleged incidents:
Perry allegedly climbed into Dixon’s bed uninvited at his Georgia home in January 2020, touching him inappropriately. Dixon said he “jumped out of bed” and made clear he wasn’t interested in that type of relationship.
The lawsuit describes an assault where Perry “forcibly pulled off Mr. Dixon’s clothing, groped his buttocks, and attempted to force himself on Dixon”. Dixon claims Perry pushed him against a wall and groped him in his trailer.
Text messages allegedly show Perry asking “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex? Have y’all found that in therapy yet?”
The Career Threats
Dixon said at the end of season two, his character was shot four times in the chest, making him realize “if I don’t make him happy, I could stay dead on the show”.
The lawsuit states “Mr. Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendoes, Dixon’s character would ‘die'”.
Perry allegedly threatened “I love killing a mother fucker in a show that no one expects”.
The Pilot Promise
During COVID-19, Perry encouraged Dixon to write a comedy pilot. Perry called Dixon saying “it was hilarious, and he loved it and wanted to shoot the pilot for it”.
Dixon alleges Perry promised to produce his TV pilot “Losing It” as part of a coercive exchange, but never intended to air it. Dixon said the show “was never developed beyond the pilot”.
Legal Basis for the Claims
The lawsuit includes ten causes of action under California’s Civil Code, including violations of the FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act), Bane Act, and Ralph Act.
The specific claims include:
- Sexual battery
- Sexual harassment under FEHA
- Quid pro quo harassment
- Workplace gender violence
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Retaliation
Timeline of Events
2019: Perry first noticed Dixon when Dixon was part of the event staff at a Perry party
2020: Dixon landed a small role on “Ruthless” before getting cast in “The Oval”
January 2020: The alleged guesthouse incident occurred
2021-2025: Dixon appeared in 85 episodes of “The Oval”
January 2025: Dixon filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
June 13, 2025: Dixon filed the $260 million lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court
September 2024: Dixon left “The Oval”
September 2025: Dixon gave his first TV interview to ABC News
December 2025: Dixon’s lawsuit was moved from California state court to federal court in Georgia
Tyler Perry’s Response
Perry’s lawyer Matthew Boyd stated “this is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam”.
The attorney added “Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail”.
Current Status of the Case
The lawsuit has been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is located.
Attorney Jonathan Delshad, representing Dixon, stated that Dixon’s claims “are alive and well, and none of them have failed”.
The case is ongoing as of December 2025.
The Second Lawsuit
A second actor, Mario Rodriguez from “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed a $77 million lawsuit against Perry on December 25, 2025, with similar allegations.
Rodriguez was motivated to file after reading about Dixon’s lawsuit. Both actors are represented by the same attorney.
Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro called it “yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab”.
Why $260 Million?
Dixon explained the damages figure represents “my lost job, my lost income, the loss of a show”.
He stated “The other part of that is a deterrent for how do you stop a billionaire who won’t stop themselves from doing this?”
Dixon’s Statement
Dixon said “Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them”.
“My goal is to help ensure that the next generation of actors and creatives don’t have to choose between their dreams and their dignity”.
Dixon said it was “a vulnerable thing to talk about” but he didn’t “want to stay silent about it anymore”.
What Happens Next?
The case will proceed in federal court in Georgia. Both sides will present evidence, including:
- Text message exchanges
- Testimony from witnesses
- Employment records from “The Oval”
- Documentation of the pilot “Losing It”
A jury will ultimately decide whether Perry is liable and what damages, if any, should be awarded.
Legal Implications
This case raises important questions about:
- Power dynamics in entertainment
- Employer liability for harassment
- Protection for workers who report misconduct
- Whether promises of career advancement can constitute quid pro quo harassment
What This Means for Similar Cases
The Rodriguez lawsuit specifically states he was motivated to come forward after hearing about Dixon’s case, suggesting Dixon’s decision to speak publicly may encourage others.
California’s FEHA and workplace violence statutes provide strong protections for employees who experience sexual harassment, particularly when the harasser holds power over the victim’s employment.
FAQ
Q: Who is Derek Dixon? Dixon is a writer and actor whose most prominent role was playing Dale in over 80 episodes of “The Oval”.
Q: What court is handling the case? The case was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court but has been moved to federal court in Georgia.
Q: Has Perry been criminally charged? No, the lawsuit does not involve criminal charges at this time. This is a civil case seeking monetary damages.
Q: What is quid pro quo harassment? Quid pro quo means “this for that.” It occurs when job benefits are conditioned on accepting sexual advances or when refusing advances results in workplace retaliation.
Q: Did Dixon try to settle privately? Dixon stated “There are always attempts to resolve situations like this privately, but they never result in the type of change necessary to protect further victims”.
This is a developing case. Information is based on court filings and public statements as of December 2025.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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