Background on Derek Dixon

Derek Dixon is an actor from Raleigh, North Carolina, best known for his role as Dale in the BET series The Oval and its spin-off Ruthless. He has a modest following on Instagram.

How did Dixon meet Tyler Perry?

According to court documents, Dixon claims he met Perry in 2019 at a Tyler Perry Studios event in Atlanta, where Perry allegedly selected him from the crowd and granted him a role. The actor states that he was required to communicate frequently with Perry during that time. Afterward, Perry cast him in Ruthless and The Oval.

The Lawsuit Details

In June 2025, Dixon filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation, seeking $260 million in damages. He alleges that Perry fostered a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” while working together on both shows. Dixon claims Perry made repeated sexual advances, including asking about his preferences and implying he has sex with men, and continued to send sexual messages after Dixon joined The Oval.

Dixon asserts that he feared losing his role if he complained, especially after Perry allegedly grabbed him by the throat during a 2020 encounter, saying, “Wow! Look how excited you just got!”, while making inappropriate remarks. He alleges that Perry’s actions created a hostile work environment, leading him to endure ongoing harassment and professional retaliation.

Current Status

The lawsuit remains active, with Perry’s legal team dismissing the claims as a “scam,” asserting that the allegations are fabricated and will not succeed in court.