Nearly three months after filing a $260 million lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, actor Derek Dixon is breaking his silence. In an exclusive interview with ABC News Live anchor Linsey Davis, Dixon opened up about the emotional toll of the allegations and his reason for moving forward publicly.
Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET dramas The Oval and Ruthless, told Davis he chose to break his silence, stating that he couldn’t stay silent anymore.”
Dixon’s First Interview
Speaking publicly for the first time since filing the suit, Dixon told ABC News:
“I wanted to speak out and not stay silent about it anymore,” the Raleigh, NC native stated.
He described the emotional cost of the encounters, saying, “Unless someone has had control of their body taken away, it’s hard to explain the feelings you’re left with.”
His hope is that his case will safeguard future creatives.
“Everyone deserves to go to work without their boss trying to have sex with them,” he stated.
Overview of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed June 13th in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Perry of unwanted advances beginning in 2019, including infliction of emotional distress, inappropriate touching, coercive messages and threats tied to Dixon’s role on The Oval. Dixon also claims the alleged conduct caused lasting psychological harm.
The complaint alleges that Perry exploited his power as a studio head and showrunner, pressuring Dixon with unwanted advances and retaliating professionally when he resisted.
Background and Allegations
The lawsuit traces its origins back to late 2019, when Dixon first encountered Perry at the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios. Dixon, who later landed roles in Perry’s BET shows Ruthless and The Oval, claims Perry made repeated sexual advances—both verbal and physical. Among the alleged incidents:
- Perry allegedly climbed into bed with Dixon and began touching his thigh.
- Another episode described Perry forcibly groping Dixon during a private meeting.
- A series of alleged quid-pro-quo exchanges included texts and threats about Dixon’s future on The Oval if he did not comply.
- Dixon says the retaliation affected his work opportunities and left him with lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD and depression.
Perry has not personally commented, but his attorney, Matthew Boyd, insists the claims are “completely false” and that Perry “will not be shaken down.”
With his lawsuit still moving through the courts, Derek Dixon’s interview represents more than a legal step—it’s his attempt to reclaim his story. The outcome of this case could reverberate across Hollywood, testing the balance of power between stars, studios, and the people who depend on them for opportunities.
