Actor Derek Dixon has publicly detailed allegations of sexual harassment and assault against media mogul Tyler Perry. In his first television interview since filing a $260 million lawsuit in June, Dixon spoke with ABC News Live anchor Linsey Davis about his experiences with Perry, stating he felt compelled to share his story. "I did not want to stay silent about it anymore," Dixon said, acknowledging the vulnerability of discussing such sensitive topics.

Dixon, who worked on Perry's BET series "The Oval" from 2021 to 2025, claims that his relationship with Perry became complicated after they met at a studio opening party in 2019. He described how Perry initially reached out to him, offering his contact information and expressing interest in discussing acting opportunities. Dixon landed a role as "Dale" in the series, which he described as a dream come true.

However, Dixon alleges that Perry began sending him inappropriate text messages, some of which were sexual in nature. He recounted one message that asked, "What's it going to take for you to have guiltless sex?" Dixon claims that the situation escalated when he visited Perry's guest house in January 2020. He described an incident where Perry allegedly climbed into bed with him and began rubbing his leg. "I jumped out of bed," Dixon recalled.

The lawsuit also details further alleged incidents, including one where Perry reportedly asked Dixon if he was attracted to him. Dixon attempted to de-escalate the situation by complimenting Perry but stated that Perry then pushed him against a wall and grabbed him inappropriately.

In June 2021, Dixon claims another incident occurred at Perry's Atlanta home, where Perry allegedly pressured him about his personal life while they were drinking. According to the lawsuit, Perry led Dixon to a bathroom and made unwanted advances, which Dixon tried to resist. "I said, 'Stop, I don't want to be naked,'" Dixon stated. He described feeling trapped and eventually locked himself in the bathroom to escape the situation.

Dixon ended his communication with Perry in the spring of 2024 and left "The Oval" in September of that year. He also mentioned that a show he was developing, titled "Losing It," was never produced beyond the pilot stage. After filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January, he decided to pursue legal action against Perry.

Dixon explained that the $260 million figure in his lawsuit reflects both lost income and a deterrent against future misconduct by powerful individuals. He expressed hope that Perry would take accountability for his actions and emphasized the importance of preventing similar situations for others in the industry. "That would be justice for me," Dixon said, referring to the potential for change in workplace conduct.