Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million Lawsuit: Accuser Speaks Out
SCANDAL ROCKS THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: TYLER PERRY ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT BY FORMER ACTOR DEREK DIXON IN $260 MILLION LAWSUIT
The world of entertainment was left reeling yesterday as a bombshell lawsuit was filed against Tyler Perry, accusing the mogul of sexual harassment and assault. The allegations were made by former actor Derek Dixon, who claims that Perry subjected him to a barrage of unwanted advances during their time working together on two of Perry's programs on BET: Ruthless and The Oval.
According to court documents reviewed by The Scholarly Note, Dixon alleges that Perry aggressively tried to establish an sexual dynamic between them, going so far as to pin him against a wall and grope him. The alleged incidents took place during the filming of both shows, with Perry reportedly using his position of power to try and manipulate Dixon into reciprocating his advances.
Dixon claims that Perry's behavior became increasingly erratic and abusive over time, with the mogul allegedly telling him things like "Don't you dare ignore me" and "What's it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?" The actor also alleges that Perry subjected him to emotional abuse, telling him he needed to "punch [Dixon] in the stomach" to deliver a performance.
But Dixon claims that the final straw came when Perry allegedly invited him back to his home and tried to force himself on him. According to Dixon's account, Perry told him to give him a goodnight hug and then suddenly pulled down his underwear and groped his bare ass. When Dixon tried to pull his underwear back up, Perry grabbed his wrists to keep him from putting them back on.
Dixon says he was able to escape the situation by pretending he was hungry and asking Perry for a pizza. He claims that Perry's behavior became more volatile over time, with the mogul allegedly telling him things like "I deserve better" and "I deserve attention all the time."
The allegations against Perry have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many of his colleagues and friends rushing to defend the mogul. However, Dixon's lawsuit paints a very different picture, claiming that Perry used his power and influence to try and silence him.
The lawsuit also alleges that Perry's production company informed Dixon that he would be losing his role on The Oval if he quit, which is why Dixon claims he stayed quiet for so long. He says that he was eventually able to find a new lawyer who told him he had to take legal action in order to protect himself.
Dixon is seeking $260 million in damages from Perry, claiming that the mogul's actions have left him with severe emotional distress and physical harm. The lawsuit also alleges that Perry's behavior has caused Dixon to lose his livelihood and his reputation in the industry.
As the scandal continues to unfold, many are left wondering how someone as powerful and influential as Tyler Perry could get away with such behavior for so long. The answer, according to Dixon, lies in Perry's ability to use his power and influence to silence his victims and cover up his actions.
The lawsuit against Perry is just the latest in a string of allegations of sexual harassment and assault that have rocked the entertainment industry in recent years. As the truth continues to come out, it remains to be seen what kind of consequences Perry will face for his alleged actions. One thing is certain, however: the days of Tyler Perry being able to use his power and influence to silence his victims are over.
