Tyler Perry accused of sexual harassment and workplace gender violence
In a lawsuit seeking $260 million in damages, a media magnate is accused of fostering a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic."
In a complaint, an actor accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault, claiming that the media mogul created a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" by using his power and influence.
Derek Dixon, who worked on Tyler Perry's shows Ruthless and The Oval, claimed in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week and first reported on Tuesday that Perry promised him a career advancement but instead exposed him to "escalating sexual harassment, assault, and battery." Dixon claims that although Perry "had direct control over his work, income, and creative chances," he harassed and mistreated him and that he retaliated against him when he did not reciprocate his advances.
With his own enormous film and television studios in Atlanta and a collaboration with the Oprah Winfrey Network, Perry, the wealthy star of the Madea movie series, is one of Hollywood's most influential people. His lot is regularly used for filming by major studios.
His attorney called it a "shakedown," and he has refuted the accusations.
Tyler Perry's lawyer, Matthew Boyd, told the media, "This is a person who approached Tyler Perry for what now seems to be nothing more than setting up a hoax." "However, Tyler will not be deterred, and we are certain that these false allegations of harassment will not stand up."
According to the lawsuit, Perry has "a worrisome habit of exploiting vulnerable male actors and staff," including "Sean "P-Diddy" Combs, R. Kelly, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and... Because of his success, Mr. Perry thinks he can get anything he wants with money and power.
According to the lawsuit, "Tyler Perry has been abusing his position of authority and influence to sexually assault, molest, and abuse impressionable and vulnerable actors and staff who look to him for direction and mentorship."
According to the lawsuit, the two first met in 2019 while Dixon, who was employed by an events business, was at Perry's studio's opening party. According to the allegations, Perry "selected [Dixon] from among the employees that were at the Party and started questioning [Dixon] about his employment status and whether Plaintiff was an actress." According to the lawsuit, he started texting Dixon and initially inquired about his objectives and desired career path.
According to the lawsuit, he made Dixon an offer to work on one of his television projects, promising that "it was a tiny role that could get a lot bigger," "thereby setting up the first step in a series of escalating quid pro quo offers."
Dixon was asked to Perry's house shortly after landing his first acting gig, and they chatted and had a drink. The lawsuit claims Perry advised him not to drive home. Unaware that this was a pretext to let Perry attack Dixon, Dixon consented and was led to a different guest room. Dixon only wore his boxers to bed because he was exhausted and lacked pajamas. Dixon felt someone else slide into bed behind him and begin caressing his body around his inner thigh in a very suggestive and sexual way before he realized what was occurring.
Numerous instances of sexual harassment and assault that took place over a number of years are detailed in the lawsuit. "Mr. Perry sexually attacked Mr. Dixon on several occasions, including one time when he tried to push himself on Dixon, touched his buttocks, and forcibly removed Mr. Dixon's clothes."
Communications between the two are included in the lawsuit, including flirty and sexually suggestive messages from Perry that Dixon seems to have tried to ignore.
Dixon is requesting damages of at least $260 million.
