Tyler Perry is pushing back against actor Derek Dixon’s $260 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and harassment.
In court documents filed October 1 in the U.S. District Court’s Central Division of California, and obtained by People, Perry’s legal team described Dixon’s allegations as “profoundly disappointing, cynical, and—most of all—false.”
Tyler Perry is fighting back against Derek Dixon’s $260 million lawsuit, calling the actor’s accusations false and exploitative.
In court documents filed October 1 in the U.S. District Court’s Central Division of California, Perry’s legal team argued that Dixon is “exploiting his friendship and professional relationship with Mr. Perry to obtain a $260 million payday,” adding that Dixon “needs help.”
Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s The Oval and Ruthless, claimed Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic,” alleging unwanted sexual messages, inappropriate comments, and physical assault on multiple occasions—including one in Perry’s trailer and another during a trip to the Bahamas. He also accused Perry of assaulting him in Atlanta in 2020 and 2021.
Dixon said the harassment caused severe emotional and physical distress and cost him nearly $400,000 after leaving The Oval. He maintained that his goal is to bring change, not seek money, and claimed he tried to settle privately.
Perry’s legal team dismissed all accusations, saying the lawsuit relies on “Hollywood stereotypes and the bad acts of others.” They insist the allegations are fabricated, noting the case was filed in the wrong state since the productions occurred in Georgia, not California.
“Mr. Perry never assaulted Dixon or committed any sexual battery,” the filing stated. “He did not offer Dixon pay raises and shoot Dixon’s television pilot script to threaten, coerce, or control Dixon.”
Dixon’s lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad, countered that Perry’s response “provides no evidence to corroborate that the text messages in our complaint are fabricated,” adding, “No employer has the right to manipulate or threaten an employee’s livelihood based on sexual expectations.”
Delshad also hinted that more people might step forward with similar claims. “My client is not intimidated by wealth, influence, or the celebrity status of Mr. Perry,” he said. “Nobody is above the law.”
Perry has vowed to challenge “each and every false accusation” in court.
