Actor Derek Dixon, who once appeared in Tyler Perry’s shows, has filed a lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual assault.
Tyler Perry is best known for his success in movies and TV, but he’s also shown interest in the world of sports entertainment.
In 2016, he became one of the celebrity investors in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
He joined other notable names, including Venus and Serena Williams, Cam Newton, and LL Cool J.
According to Derek, he first met Tyler Perry in 2019 at an event. He says Tyler approached him, asked for his number, and later offered him a small role in the series Ruthless.
In January 2020, Derek says Tyler invited him to his home in Atlanta. Derek went, hoping the visit would lead to more acting opportunities. That night, Derek says he had too much to drink and stayed over in a guest room.
He claims that during the night, Tyler came into the room and started touching his legs. Derek says he rejected the advance, but believes Tyler still showed romantic interest afterward.
Perry’s legal team has responded, calling the entire lawsuit false and a setup for financial gain. The case is ongoing.
Gelia Bekele Shares A Son Named Aman With Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry was in a long-term relationship with Gelila Bekele from 2009 until 2020.
They first met at a Prince concert, which marked the beginning of their quiet journey together.
In 2014, they had a son named Aman. The couple kept their relationship very private, so not much was known about their family life.
That’s why it came as a surprise when Tyler announced on Facebook in December 2020 that he was single again, just days before Christmas.
Tyler Perry once shared a gym mirror selfie, saying, “This is what a midlife crisis looks like.”
In his message, he discussed being 51, single, and contemplating what the future holds.
He added that no matter what happens, he plans to stay close to God, be the best dad and man he can be, and keep his head held high, while also looking his best.
Ever since the breakup, he hasn’t been publicly connected to anyone else.
Now, according to the lawsuit, Derek Dixon says things got worse during another visit to Tyler Perry’s home in Atlanta later in 2020.
He claims that although Tyler greeted him kindly at first, the conversation quickly turned sexual.
Derek says Perry made inappropriate comments and grabbed him by the throat, making him uncomfortable. Derek says he pushed Tyler away, and that ended the encounter.
Derek claims the most serious incident happened in June 2021.
He was staying in the guest house at Tyler’s Atlanta property and says that while he was in his underwear, Tyler came in to say goodnight.
According to Derek, Tyler pulled down his underwear, touched him inappropriately, and made unwanted advances.
In June 2024, Derek filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and later left the show The Oval, saying he couldn’t continue working under those conditions.
He is now suing Tyler Perry and his studio for sexual harassment, assault, and creating a hostile work environment. He is seeking $260 million in damages.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2009, Perry made a significant donation of $100,000 to support student-athletes in Ohio.
- He surprised students at Finland Middle School in Columbus with the donation, aiming to assist with athletic fees and ensure that extracurricular programs could continue despite budget cuts.
- Perry has expressed joy in watching his son, Aman, play soccer. In a 2024 interview, he shared that attending his son’s soccer games brought him “pure joy”.
