Actor Derek Dixon accuses co-star and filmmaker Tyler Perry of sexual assault in $260 million lawsuit

Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against co-star and filmmaker Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual announcement and assault, according to a report by Variety.

Dixon had appeared on Perry's BET show The Oval. He made an appearence in 85 episodes of the show.

According to the report, Derek Dixon in his lawsuit alleged that Perry sexually exploited him by misusing his power in the industry.

The complaint states that Perry allegedly groped Dixon's backside when the two were staying at the filmmaker's guest house in June 2021. Perry was allegedly intoxicated when he made the advances.

The suit also quotes from text messages, alleging that Perry made numerous sexual remarks and propositions over several years, reported Deadline.

The lawsuit seeks at least $260 million in punitive damages.

Tyler Perry denies charges

Responding to the allegations, Perry's attorney Matthew Boyd dismissed the suit as a "shakedown," reported Variety.

"This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam," Matthew Boyd said.

"But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail," reported Variety.

Details of the FIR

According to the complaint, Dixon was working for an event company in 2019 when he met Perry at a party for the mogul's Atlanta studio.

The suit alleges that Perry took an interest in Dixon, phoning him and eventually offering him the role of Dale on "Restless."

Dixon alleges that Perry hired him for additional parties and invited him to his home, where Dixon had several drinks.

According to the suit, Perry insisted that he was too drunk to drive home and offered him a guest room. The suit alleges that Perry climbed into bed with Dixon, prompting Dixon to jump out of bed.

"Dixon kept informing Perry that he was not into sex in order to keep Perry at bay while at the same time not insulting the person who was dangling his career in front of him," the lawsuit states.

According to the complaint, Perry did not take no for an answer, following up with suggestive text messages and other comments. Soon afterwards, Dixon was cast on "The Oval," reported Deadline

According to the complaint, Dixon feared that if he did not accede, Perry would kill off his character and destroy his career.

According to the complaint, Dixon also wrote a script for a show, "Losing It," and Perry promised to produce the pilot. The suit alleges that Dixon went to Perry's house in June 2021 to discuss the show - but that Perry then took advantage of the situation and tried to sexually assault him in the guest house.

The suit states claims of sexual harassment, assault, infliction of emotional distress and retaliation, reported Deadline.

(With ANI inputs)