Tyler Perry Accused of Sexual Assault and Harassment in $260 Million Suit
Derek Dixon, who appeared in 85 episodes of the show, alleges in the suit that Perry abused his power in the industry to sexually exploit him. According to the complaint, Dixon was staying at Perry's guesthouse in June 2021, when Perry groped his buttocks while drunk.
More from Variety
'Madea's Destination Wedding' Trailer: Tyler Perry's Iconic Character Goes Full Bahama Grandmama in Franchise's 13th Film
'Tyler Perry's Straw' Review: Taraji P. Henson Plays a Woman Well Past the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
BET+ Greenlights Tyler Perry's 'Divorced Sistas' Series
The suit also quotes from text messages, alleging that Perry made numerous sexual remarks and propositions over several years.
The lawsuit seeks at least $260 million in punitive damages.
In response, Perry's lawyer said the lawsuit is a 'shakedown.'
'This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam,' said Matthew Boyd, Perry's attorney. 'But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.'
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 offered 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 then climbed into bed with Dixon and began to rub against him — 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 afterward, Dixon was cast on 'The Oval.'
The suit alleges that Perry continued to abuse his power, often making sexual comments on set and asking intrusive questions about Dixon's life. According to the complaint, Dixon feared that if he did not accede that 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 that 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.
A couple days later, the suit alleges, Perry called to apologize, blaming testosterone supplements, and again promised to make the show. According to the suit, Perry bought the rights to the show but never intended to produce it.
'Perry was only using the show as a quid pro quo to Dixon, holding its production over Dixon's head like the sword of Damocles,' the suit states.
The suit states claims of sexual harassment, assault, infliction of emotional distress and retaliation.
Angelique Jackson contributed to this story.Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Billy Joel Says Elton John's Rehab Comments Were ‘Rock Bottom' For Him in HBO Documentary: ‘There Was Bad Blood For a Little While'
Billy Joel is opening up about a tough moment with longtime friend and tourmate Elton John. In the second part of the new two-part HBO Documentary, 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' the 'New York State of Mind' singer shared how John's public comments that he needed rehab strained their friendship. More from Variety HBO Doc 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Candidly Examines Singer's Struggles with Money, Alcohol, and Critics 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Review: The Tribeca Festival Opens with a Luscious Longform Documentary That Captures Just the Way He Is 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Directors Share Inspirational Message From Ailing Singer: 'He Will Be Back' 'Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,' Joel said in the film, referencing an interview he did with 'Rolling Stone' in 2011. 'He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me.' He added, 'I said, wait a minute? Don't you know me better than that? And there was bad blood for a little while. There was a dovetailing of things that happened during that time.' Joel and John first co-headlined a stadium together in 1994 during their 'Face to Face' tour. In the first part of the documentary, Joel admitted that he once 'resented' the comparisons to the 'Your Song' singer but eventually grew to embrace it as they continued to perform onstage together. According to People, John told Rolling Stone that they had 'so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism' coming off their joint tour in 2010. John said of Joel in the film, 'He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab, they've been light… I love you, Billy, and this is tough love.' In 2005, Joel went to rehab at the Betty Ford Center after his then-wife Katie Lee issued an 'ultimatum.' The couple divorced in 2009. After rehab, the 'Piano Man' singer took a break from the spotlight and stopped touring. In the documentary, Joel described John's comments as making him feel 'clobbered' and noted it was 'rock bottom' for him. 'I was disillusioned with what I thought it was all supposed to mean,' he said. 'It was like all the signs were pointing to me: Enough. And I wrote this letter to the band. 'I don't want to do this anymore. I'm gonna stop.' The second part of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' premiered on Friday, July 25. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Solve the daily Crossword
Black America Web
a day ago
- Black America Web
Stevie Wonder Clears the Air on Blindness Rumors
Source: Justin Engelhardt / Radio-One Stevie Wonder recently addressed the long-standing rumor questioning his blindness during a stop on his 'Love, Light and Song' U.K. tour in Cardiff, Wales, as reported by Variety. Speaking to the audience on July 9, Wonder tackled the speculation with his signature humor and grace. In footage captured by fans, Wonder joked about the persistent rumors, saying, 'When did I want to let the world know this? But I wanted to say it right now.' He acknowledged the chatter about his ability to see, earning laughs from the crowd, before delivering a heartfelt response: 'Seriously, you know the truth.' Wonder clarified his condition, stating, 'Shortly after my birth, I became blind. Now, that was a blessing because it's allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?' The rumors, which have circulated for decades, have even been fueled by celebrities. Lionel Richie once joked on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' about an incident where Wonder pretended to drive a car, leaving Richie momentarily stunned. Wonder's playful sense of humor has often added fuel to the fire, but his recent remarks in Wales offered a poignant perspective on his life and vision. By addressing the rumors head-on, Wonder reminded fans of his unique ability to see beyond physical appearances, focusing instead on the spirit and essence of people. His words resonated deeply, showcasing the wisdom and perspective that have made him a beloved icon for generations. RELATED: 1974: Stevie Wonder Makes History… Again | Black Music Month SEE ALSO Stevie Wonder Clears the Air on Blindness Rumors was originally published on
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Billy Joel Says Elton John's Rehab Comments Were ‘Rock Bottom' For Him in HBO Documentary: ‘There Was Bad Blood For a Little While'
Billy Joel is opening up about a tough moment with longtime friend and tourmate Elton John. In the second part of the new two-part HBO Documentary, 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' the 'New York State of Mind' singer shared how John's public comments that he needed rehab strained their friendship. More from Variety HBO Doc 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Candidly Examines Singer's Struggles with Money, Alcohol, and Critics 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Review: The Tribeca Festival Opens with a Luscious Longform Documentary That Captures Just the Way He Is 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Directors Share Inspirational Message From Ailing Singer: 'He Will Be Back' 'Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,' Joel said in the film, referencing an interview he did with 'Rolling Stone' in 2011. 'He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me.' He added, 'I said, wait a minute? Don't you know me better than that? And there was bad blood for a little while. There was a dovetailing of things that happened during that time.' Joel and John first co-headlined a stadium together in 1994 during their 'Face to Face' tour. In the first part of the documentary, Joel admitted that he once 'resented' the comparisons to the 'Your Song' singer but eventually grew to embrace it as they continued to perform onstage together. According to People, John told Rolling Stone that they had 'so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism' coming off their joint tour in 2010. John said of Joel in the film, 'He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab, they've been light… I love you, Billy, and this is tough love.' In 2005, Joel went to rehab at the Betty Ford Center after his then-wife Katie Lee issued an 'ultimatum.' The couple divorced in 2009. After rehab, the 'Piano Man' singer took a break from the spotlight and stopped touring. In the documentary, Joel described John's comments as making him feel 'clobbered' and noted it was 'rock bottom' for him. 'I was disillusioned with what I thought it was all supposed to mean,' he said. 'It was like all the signs were pointing to me: Enough. And I wrote this letter to the band. 'I don't want to do this anymore. I'm gonna stop.' The second part of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' premiered on Friday, July 25. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
