Actor Derek Dixon has filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, alleging a pattern of quid pro quo sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and emotional distress. Filed on June 13, the lawsuit claims Perry used his industry power to pursue a coercive sexual dynamic with Dixon, initially offering him roles on BET+’s Ruthless and later casting him as a series regular on The Oval (where Dixon appeared in 85 episodes). Dixon alleges that after he rejected Perry’s advances, Perry retaliated professionally, ultimately leading Dixon to quit the show during its sixth season. The lawsuit also accuses Perry of giving acting opportunities, cars, and money to vulnerable men in exchange for sexual favors and using the threat of writing off characters as coercion. Perry’s attorney has strongly denied the allegations, calling it a "scam" and claiming Dixon is attempting to "shake down" Perry with fabricated claims. The lawsuit includes screenshots of texts as part of Dixon’s evidence.