American actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who is seeking $260 million (approximately KSh 33.7 billion) for alleged sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation.

According to PEOPLE.com, Dixon accused Perry of creating a sexually exploitative and coercive environment during Dixon's time on Perry's shows The Oval and Ruthless, where Dixon portrayed a character named Dale.

In the complaint, which was filed on Friday, June 13, in Los Angeles, Dixon claimed that Perry promised career advancement opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him on the shows.

However, Dixon alleged that when he did not reciprocate Perry’s sexual advances, he was subjected to increasing harassment, assault, and retaliation in his professional life.

Matthew Boyd, Perry’s attorney, responded to the allegations, calling them part of a scheme set up by Dixon.

According to The Independent, he stated:

"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."

Dixon further claimed that Perry frequently sent him suggestive messages, offering both career opportunities and sexual advances.

Dixon alleged that in November 2019, Perry offered him a small role on Ruthless, and in January 2020, sexually assaulted him at Perry’s home.

The following month, Dixon claims he was offered a recurring role on The Oval.

Dixon said that upon reviewing the script for his character, he discovered that his character’s fate was left unresolved in the season finale.

Perry allegedly told Dixon that if he ignored Perry’s advances, his character would "die" in the next season.

Dixon's character, Dale, was shot four times in the chest at the end of season one of The Oval, and Perry allegedly implied that his character would survive if Dixon kept him “happy.”

The complaint also mentions an alleged incident in October 2020, where Dixon claims he was groped during a cast trip to the Bahamas.

In December 2020, Dixon visited a physician who diagnosed him with severe symptoms of acute stress, insomnia, stomach issues, and low cortisol levels, which he attributes to the alleged harassment and assault.

Dixon was prescribed Zoloft, an antidepressant, to address these symptoms.

Dixon claims that Perry invited him to his house again in June 2021 to discuss his pilot for the show Losing It, which Perry had shown interest in producing.

Dixon alleges that during this meeting, he was once again se*xually assaulted by Perry.

Over the next several months, Dixon says he experienced severe depression, anxiety, stomach pains, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dixon also alleges that Perry's team offered him a raise to return to The Oval and expressed interest in purchasing the rights to produce Losing It.

In his lawsuit, Dixon is suing Perry for quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation, and other related claims.

In May 2025, President William Ruto visited Perry's big studio and was welcomed by Steve Harvey.

Perry was not present to meet President Ruto, and he apologised for it.

He revealed he had a packed schedule and was engaged elsewhere.

Source: TUKO.co.ke