Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Terrell Dixon, who alleges sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation during his time working on Perry’s television drama, The Oval.
According to the lawsuit, Dixon claims Perry made a series of sexually suggestive comments and advances, including explicit messages such as:
“No straight man would be going on walks with you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to fk you. I would fk you.”
Dixon alleges he feared professional repercussions if he rejected Perry’s behavior. He further claims that during a second visit to Perry’s Atlanta home, the situation escalated when Perry allegedly asked, “Do you like it rough in bed?” before grabbing him by the throat.
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The most serious incident reportedly occurred in June 2021, when Perry allegedly entered Dixon’s guest house bedroom, pulled down his underwear, groped him, and said:
“Relax and just let it happen.”
Dixon says he endured two more years of harassment before finally filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024, subsequently leaving The Oval. He claims the end of his role cost him close to $400,000 in lost earnings.
The lawsuit accuses Tyler Perry and Tyler Perry Studios of quid pro quo harassment, sexual assault and battery, and seeks $260 million in damages.
In response, Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “entirely fabricated.”
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,” Boyd stated.
Dixon’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, said the lawsuit “speaks for itself,” suggesting the case is headed for a high-profile legal battle that could have significant implications for one of Hollywood’s most successful creators.
