While Wolf was in court, Tyler Perry was slapped with a $260 million lawsuit by actor Derek Dixon, who had the role of gay store clerk in The Oval.  According to the lawsuit, “Mr. Perry took his success and power and used his considerable influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic with Mr. Dixon – initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show, only to subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Mr. Dixon did not reciprocate Mr. Perry’s unwanted advances.”  According to Dixon, he met Tyler while working at a party in 2019.  Perry asked if he was an actor, and they exchanged numbers.  There were quite a few texts (which Dixon has saved), and Tyler eventually gave him a role in the series Ruthless.  A month later, he gave Dixon a new car, allegedly because Tyler didn’t like Dixon’s Jeep!  At no point did Dixon sense any quid pro quo.  But he claims that Perry said his ideal relationship would be a male who he could provide for, who would be loyal, but emotionally detached.  “Whoever ends up with me is gonna be a happy motherfucker.”  Where do I apply?

A few months later, Derek was at Tyler’s for dinner.  They drank a bit too much, so Perry suggested Derek spend the night in a guest room.  Here is the lawsuit’s account of what happened: “Dixon was tired and did not have pajamas and so he got into bed only wearing underwear.  Before he knew what was happening, Dixon felt someone else slip into bed behind him and start rubbing Dixon’s body around his inner thigh in a highly sexual and suggestive manner.  Dixon turned around and saw that Tyler Perry was in bed with him.”  Derek allegedly told Tyler he wasn’t really into sex and left quickly the next morning.  Shortly thereafter, he got this text from Tyler: “I would hope you would let some one hold you and make love to you.  You are missing the best years of your life my friend.  Trust me.  I hope you get past that block in your mind soon.”  Dixon told Tyler he was a devout Christian.  Tyler responded, “What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?”  Buddhism was mentioned as an option.

Shortly thereafter, Derek’s role transitioned to Perry’s other series, The Oval.  Around that time, Tyler asked if Derek was a top or a bottom.  Dixon doesn’t reveal his response, but claims Perry said he was a top.  “When you have a big dick and when you hit the G-spot right on these bottoms, they go crazy.”  Around his birthday, Perry said that all he wanted was “Biscuits and BJ’s”, but all he ever got was “Biscuits” (which sounds good to me).

Derek pitched a pilot he wanted to shoot and Perry showed interest – and asked him to come to his house.  They discussed the show over numerous alcoholic beverages.  Derek tried to leave, but Perry wanted to show him a weight monitor he had.  He instructed Derek to strip to his underwear to try it, which he did.  Perry then allegedly pulled down Derek’s underwear and slapped his buttocks.  According to Derek, he protested but Tyler said, “Relax…just let it happen.”  The lawsuit describes the scene: “Dixon was naked, and being groped by a large, drunk, and sexually frustrated 6’5” man who had Dixon in his clutches.”  And then he came up with an idea – he told Perry he “couldn’t do anything sexual because he was so hungry.”  So Tyler ordered a pizza – probably Domino’s, because it would be there in 30 mins or less!  Dixon then locked himself in the guest bathroom.  The next day, Perry apologized for his actions and blamed it on the alcohol.

After more harassing calls and texts, Dixon started to believe Tyler was promising to produce his pilot in order to let the statute of limitations run out.  He reported the situation to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and also said he would not return to The Oval – a decision he says cost him close to $400K.  Dixon claims Tyler told him he’d be in breach of contract if he told people why he quit.  Dixon claims to be coming forward to help other people, and claims that Perry “has been using his power and influence to molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable employees and actors who look to him for guidance and mentorship while pursuing their dreams.”  How conveniently he forgets about the car, the jobs, and the pizza!