Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault by ‘The Oval’ Actor Derek Dixon in $260 Million Lawsuit

Tyler Perry, the renowned filmmaker and creator of the hit BET series The Oval, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment from actor Derek Dixon, who stars in the show. According to a report by TMZ, Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry on Friday, June 13, 2025, accusing the media mogul of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted advances and retaliation after Dixon rejected him.

The lawsuit, detailed in court documents obtained by TMZ, alleges that Perry engaged in a pattern of harassment that began after Dixon was cast in The Oval. Dixon claims Perry sent him inappropriate text messages and made unwanted physical advances. One specific incident cited in the lawsuit reportedly occurred in 2019 at Perry’s Atlanta home, where Dixon alleges he passed out after drinking and awoke to find Perry touching him inappropriately. Dixon further claims that Perry promised career advancement in exchange for compliance but retaliated when Dixon rebuffed his advances, impacting his professional opportunities.

In response, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, issued a statement to TMZ vehemently denying the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a “fabricated shakedown” and asserting that the claims are baseless. Boyd emphasized that Perry intends to fight the lawsuit and clear his name.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, given Perry’s stature as a prolific producer, director, and actor known for his work on projects like the Madea franchise and The Oval. Neither Perry nor Dixon have made additional public comments since the lawsuit was reported on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The case is ongoing, and no court date has been publicly confirmed as of now. Representatives for BET, which airs The Oval, have not yet responded to requests for comment. This developing story continues to unfold as the public awaits further details.