California Sexual Harassment

Dixon v. Tyler Perry et. al.

$260M Civil Suit Alleges Workplace Harassment

ByJonathan J. DelshadPublishedJune 18, 2025
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$260M Civil Suit Alleges Workplace Harassment

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Dixon v. Tyler Perry et. al.

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“These events occurred while Mr. Dixon was employed as a series regular on the Tyler Perry show 'The Oval,' and while Mr. Perry held direct control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities.”

In a complaint filed June 2025 in the Los Angeles Superior Court, plaintiff Derek Dixon alleges that defendant Tyler Perry engaged in a sustained pattern of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual assault, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, while Perry was serving as Dixon’s employer and executive producer of the television series The Oval.

According to the suit, Perry “used his influence and control over employment and creative opportunities” to coerce Dixon into a sexually exploitative dynamic. Perry allegedly told Dixon, “Whoever ends up with me is gonna be a happy motherfucker,” and in another message asked, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex? Have y’all found that yet in therapy?”

The complaint details multiple unwanted sexual advances and assaults, including an incident in which Perry allegedly pulled off Dixon’s underwear and groped him, telling him to “relax” and that “[he] wasn’t going to hurt [Dixon].” When Dixon tried to resist, Perry reportedly responded, “You are the rose. But you are so blocked that you refuse to be smelt [sic] or opened.”

Dixon also alleges Perry promised to produce his TV pilot Losing It as part of a coercive exchange, but never intended to air it, stating the offer was made to maintain Dixon’s silence. Perry is further accused of threatening job security by saying characters could easily be killed off: “I love killing a mother fucker in a show that no one expects.”

The lawsuit includes ten causes of action under California’s Civil Code, including violations of the FEHA, Bane Act, and Ralph Act, and seeks $260 million in damages.

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