Nairobi, June 18- Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry has been hit with a lawsuit by actor Derek Dixon, who accuses him of sexual harassment, assault, and workplace gender-based violence. Filed in Los Angeles last week, the lawsuit claims Perry exploited his power and influence to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” under the guise of offering career advancement.
Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval, alleges he was subjected to escalating abuse while Perry maintained control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities.
According to the suit, the two met in 2019 at an event celebrating the launch of Perry’s Atlanta studios. Dixon claims Perry singled him out, inquired about his acting career, and began sending him text messages which later turned flirtatious and sexually suggestive. Despite Dixon’s attempts to set boundaries, the harassment allegedly continued, including a disturbing incident where Perry is said to have forcibly undressed and assaulted him.
The lawsuit further accuses Perry of having a broader pattern of exploiting vulnerable male actors, comparing his alleged behavior to that of Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly. It states that Perry used his position to target employees who looked up to him for mentorship and guidance.
Perry has firmly denied the allegations. His lawyer, Matthew Boyd, dismissed the case as a “shakedown,” claiming Dixon’s accusations are part of a scam. “Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims will fail,” Boyd said in a statement.
Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in damages.
