The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Derek Dixon, an actor who has worked closely with Tyler Perry on shows like The Oval and Ruthless, has alleged that Perry repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances. Perry’s legal team maintains that these allegations are nothing more than an effort to extort the actor-producer.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Dixon alleges Perry pinned him against the wall and allegedly groped him. He claims that since 2021, Perry allegedly made many unwanted sexual advances towards him, including during one instance, allegedly ripping his clothes off, and another instance where he allegedly snuck into bed with him. He furthers the allegations beyond himself, claiming that Perry took advantage of other impressionable male actors under his authority. The Hollywood Reporter shares a quote from the lawsuit that alleges Perry had been “using his power and influence to molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable employees and actors who look to him for guidance and mentorship while pursuing their dreams.”

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Dixon is suing for sexual harassment, battery and assault, and other claims of workplace misconduct. They claim he is looking to be compensated with at least $260 million.

The Hollywood Reporter goes on to report that Dixon was discovered by Perry while working a party for an events company in Atlanta. Dixon alleges that Perry sent him multiple sexually charged texts, including one that read, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?” Along with another alleged text that said, “I love how I feel right now but I don’t like being horny.”

In the article by The Hollywood Reporter, Dixon proclaims that Perry allowed him to stay the night after he had been drinking to avoid drinking and driving. Dixon then alleges, “Before he knew what was happening, Dixon felt someone else slip into bed behind him and start rubbing Dixon’s body around his inner thigh in a highly sexual and suggestive manner.” The Hollywood Reporter states this was included in a complaint by Jonathan Delshad, a lawyer for Dixon. “Dixon turned around and saw that Tyler Perry was in bed with him.”

As The Hollywood Reporter writes, Dixon alleges Perry’s antics escalated further. He claims that in June of 2021, Perry “began to vigorously grab, grope, and play with Dixon’s buttocks in a sexual manner.” Dixon also alleges that Perry’s “fixers” reached out to him and offered him an extra $6,000 per episode for his return to his role in The Oval.

Tyler Perry is Gay? I didn’t know. I didn’t see the signs. pic.twitter.com/HWtOhR8Vsw

— Daphne (@celebriD) June 17, 2025

Over on X, @raindropsmedia1 further alleges that Perry once grabbed Dixons’ throat, asking him if he “liked it rough in bed.” @celebriD replies, “Tyler Perry is gay? I didn’t see the signs.” His response includes a picture of Perry dressed as a woman in his Madea role.