Actor Derek Dixon, known for his role as Dale on Tyler Perry’s BET series The Oval, has spoken publicly for the first time since filing a $260 million lawsuit against the entertainment mogul, repeating serious allegations of sexual assault.
In an emotional interview with ABC News Live, Dixon described his struggle to come forward. “It’s been hard to tell my truth. It carries a lot of shame, but I don’t want to stay silent about it anymore,” he said.
Alleged Abuse in Perry’s Guest House
Dixon claims the alleged incidents began when Perry, 55, invited him to stay at his guest home. He described a first encounter where Perry reportedly climbed into bed with him:
“I got into bed, and I noticed he climbed into bed with me as well and started rubbing my leg. I jumped up out of bed and he said, ‘Turn around so I can look at you.’”
Dixon insisted that he made it clear he was not interested, adding, “I think it’s OK that people try to make a move or shoot their shot, but if they get rejected, I think that they should stop. I thought it would stop after that, but it didn’t.”
According to Dixon, a second incident followed in which Perry allegedly pulled down his underwear and grabbed his buttocks despite his protests.
“Unless someone has been through something having the control of their body taken away, you don’t understand the feelings that you have in that moment. I didn’t know what to do,” Dixon told ABC viewers.
Seeking Accountability, Not Silence
Dixon filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January, months after his character was written off The Oval. He suggested his dismissal was a “way of showing power.”
Tyler Perry’s legal team has categorically denied the allegations, previously stating Dixon attempted to extort $40 million for silence. In a statement to ABC, Perry’s lawyer said:
“This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
Dixon stressed his lawsuit is about accountability, not extortion:
“I’m looking for accountability, something to deter him from doing this to someone else. How do you stop a billionaire who won’t stop themselves from doing this? Part of that number is my lost job, lost income, loss of the show. The other part of that is a deterrent.”
Emotional Message to Perry
Toward the end of the interview, Dixon addressed Perry directly, his voice visibly emotional:
“Never use someone’s dream to coerce them into a relationship. That’s not professional.”
His statements have sparked intense reactions on social media, with many expressing support for Dixon’s courage to speak out, while others await the court proceedings for more clarity.
As this case moves forward, it highlights ongoing conversations in Hollywood about power dynamics, workplace safety, and accountability, particularly for young actors navigating high-profile projects.
{Source: Briefly}
Featured Image: X {@Complex}
