Derek Dixon, known for his role as Dale on Tyler Perry’s ‘The Oval’, has filed a $260 million lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual harassment and assault.
Actor Derek Dixon, best recognized for playing Dale on BET’s political drama The Oval and its spinoff Ruthless, has filed a lawsuit accusing director and producer Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation. The lawsuit seeks $260 million in damages, alleging that Perry used his position of power to sexually exploit Dixon.
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Perry’s Legal Team Denies Allegations
In response, Tyler Perry’s legal team strongly denied the allegations. Attorney Matthew Boyd described the lawsuit as a “shakedown” attempt, saying,
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Who is Derek Dixon?
Full Name: Derek Alexander Dixon
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Education: Marymount Manhattan College; acting at The Terry Schreiber Studio, New York
Acting Career and Major Roles
Dixon gained national recognition for his role as Dale in The Oval, appearing in over 100 episodes. He also worked briefly on Perry’s show Ruthless. According to reports, Dixon allegedly met Tyler Perry in 2019 at a party while working with an events company, which led to his casting in Perry’s productions.
In addition to his television career, Dixon is an accomplished theater actor and playwright. His stage credits include:
- The Lion in Winter
- Romeo and Juliet
- The Boys In The Band
As a writer, he has authored several plays:
- Homewrecker
- Red Snow
- Pictures of People
- Work of Art
- Green Light
Dixon was also the co-winner of the 2016 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award and became a member of Working Title Playwrights in 2015.
Allegations of Harassment and Exit from ‘The Oval’
According to the lawsuit, Dixon claims Perry subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation” after he allegedly refused Perry’s advances. Dixon said this behavior forced him to quit during Season 6 of The Oval.
What’s Next?
The case is expected to draw significant attention due to Perry’s influence in the entertainment industry. As legal proceedings unfold, both parties maintain opposing narratives—Dixon asserting abuse of power, and Perry’s team claiming a baseless extortion attempt.