Derek Dixon, an actor on the popular BET series The Oval, has filed a civil lawsuit accusing entertainment mogul Tyler Perry of repeated sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation in the workplace. Filed last Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court and reported by TMZ on Tuesday, the suit seeks $260 million in punitive damages.

According to the lawsuit, Dixon claims that Perry subjected him to a sustained pattern of unwanted sexual advances and coercion that allegedly began after the two met at a private event in 2019. At the time, Dixon was working on the event’s staff, and Perry reportedly offered him a role on the series Ruthless, later expanding his presence to The Oval.

The lawsuit alleges that Perry initiated contact with unsolicited, sexually suggestive messages, including one that read: “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” Dixon included what he claims are screenshots of the exchanges to support his claims.

The situation, Dixon says, escalated from messages to incidents of sexual assault. One such event, as detailed in the lawsuit, allegedly took place at Perry’s home when Dixon was encouraged to spend the night due to being “too drunk to drive.” The actor claims he woke up to find Perry in bed with him, rubbing his thigh. In another alleged encounter, Perry is accused of forcibly removing Dixon’s clothing, groping him, and attempting to assault him.

The suit also accuses Perry of using his power as a producer to maintain control over Dixon’s role on the show, threatening to kill off his character if he refused Perry’s advances or ignored his “sexual innuendos.” Dixon said he attempted to remain on friendly terms to preserve his career but was left traumatised by the experience.

In response to the lawsuit, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, categorically denied the allegations. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than a scam,” Boyd said in a statement. “But Tyler Perry will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

Tyler Perry, a billionaire whose works include the Madea film franchise and numerous successful television series, is one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Forbes currently estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion.

As of now, Perry has not personally responded to the allegations. The case is expected to draw significant media attention as it moves through the courts.

Melissa Enoch

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