Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is forcefully denying sexual assault allegations brought against him by actor Derek Dixon, calling the claims false and financially motivated.
According to new court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Tyler Perry’s legal team argues that Dixon’s $260 million lawsuit is “built on lies” and should be dismissed.
“By his actions and false accusations, it is clear that Dixon needs help. But he cannot find it in this Court, although Dixon alleges that he was the victim of escalating sexual misconduct, he had no problem taking a role on Season 2 of Mr. Perry’s television series The Oval,” Tyler Perry’s attorneys stated.
They further contend that the lawsuit was filed in the wrong jurisdiction since all work related to the alleged incident occurred in Georgia.
However, Dixon’s lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad, insists that the evidence—including alleged explicit text messages—supports his client’s claims.
“Perry’s filing provides no evidence to corroborate that the text messages in our complaint are fabricated. Our complaint includes text messages where Mr. Perry made explicit sexual remarks to Mr. Dixon, questioned him about his sex life, and dangled professional opportunities based on those interactions. No employer has the right to manipulate or threaten an employee’s livelihood based on sexual expectations. We are certain that we will be able to prove to a jury that sexual harassment, assault, and battery absolutely happened,” Delshad said.
He continued, “I am convinced that Mr. Dixon is not the only one and that soon others will be sharing stories about Mr. Perry. My client is not intimidated by wealth, influence, or the celebrity status of Mr. Perry. Nobody is above the law. We are committed to holding Mr. Perry accountable to the full extent of the law.”
Dixon, who appeared in Tyler Perry’s shows The Oval and Ruthless, claims the entertainment mogul created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” and assaulted him in 2020.
With both sides standing firm, the case appears headed for a tense and high-stakes courtroom battle.
