September 14, 2025 • 20 mins
The complaint alleges a sustained pattern of coercive behavior where Perry, leveraging his significant influence in the entertainment industry, offered career advancement opportunities to Dixon in exchange for sexual favors. The filing describes multiple instances of alleged sexual harassment and assault, with Dixon claiming Perry used his control over Dixon's employment and creative projects to create a quid pro quo dynamic.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
You found the podcast Go Beyond the Brief, where we
take a deep dive into the societal currents shaping our lives. Together,
we'll explore the often unseen forces at play. We'll examine
the research, dissect the data, and most importantly, if you're
seeking to understand what's shaping our society, this is the place.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Imagine pouring your heart into an artistic dream, dedicating years
only to find your career well allegedly held hostage, caught
in a web of coercion and fear.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
It's a tough scenario to even think about.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, and today we're diving into a legal document that
really brings this kind of chilling situation to life.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
That's right. We're looking closely at a detailed legal complaint.
It was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court June thirteenth,
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Filed by actor and screenwriter Derek.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Dixon exactly, and it levels some very very serious allegations
against media mogul Tyler Perry and also his companies TPS
Production Services and Action LLC.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
So our mission for this deep dive is to unpack
the timeline of these alleged events. We want to get
into this specific accusation's sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and really
look at the complex power dynamics described in the complaint.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, the goal is for you, the listener, to understand
the full scope of what's being claimed here, straight from
the source material itself.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Okay, so let's set the stage. It's really crucial, I think,
to understand Tyler Perry's stature here.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Absolutely, he's this incredibly powerful, self made figure, rose against
the odds, hugely influential in entertainment.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
The complaint itself points this out. His net worth over
one point thirty six billion dollars, owning his own massive film.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Studio, right, and his success story, which was once seen
as you know, a symbol of perseverance, is now framed
in this complaint as something else, a cautionary tale, precisely
a tale of, as the complaint puts it, unchecked power,
wealth and influence.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
And this is where it gets really disturbing. Right from
the start, the legal complaint draws these direct, pretty explicit comparisons.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
Yeah, comparing Perry's alleged conduct to other really prominent figures
accused of exploitation.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Names you'll recognize, Rvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly Sean P. Diddy, Combs,
Kevin Spacey, Roger Ayles. I mean that's a heavy list.
It is.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
And the document basically states that Perry's success allegedly led
him to believe that well, money and influence can get
him whatever he wants, which.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Then allegedly morphed into this idea that he could get
whomever he.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Wants exactly, And that comparison right at the beginning, it
really frames the alleged power imbalance we're going to be
talking about.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Yeah, it does. And what's also striking is how the
complaint describes Perry's alleged ideal relationship dynamic. Mm.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
It paints this picture supposedly devoid of mutual consent or
emotional reciprocity.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It claims he sought a one sided, coercive dynamic, looking
for a male sexual partner who'd be like loyal but emotionally.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Detached, someone he could provide for, and importantly, someone who
would remain silent. There's even a direct quote in the
complaint attributed to Perry which one whoever ends up with
me is going to be a happy motherfucker. It really
underscores that alleged sense of entitlement.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
And you know control, and that alleged quote it sort
of sets up this pattern that seems to run through
the whole complaint, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
It does Perry allegedly offering these potentially career defining opportunities,
drawing people.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
In and then, according to the document, leveraging that influence
for what it calls quid pro quo sexual compromise.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
Right. It even details this alleged threat that Perry would
easily kill off a character if an actor didn't indulge
his alleged sexual demand.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Using their career their character as a weapon. That's a
chilling claim, it really is.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
And this brings us to the initial spark, the very
beginning of the alleged relationship between Perry and Dixon.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
September twenty nineteen, Perry's big studio opening party in Atlanta.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Yeah, Dixon was actually working there as event staff, and
Perry allegedly singled him out, asked about his acting dreams.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
And the complaint says on the last day of the party,
Perry insisted they exchanged phone numbers.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Dixon, wanting to be an actor and writer, later sent
Perry some Halloween costume photos, and that's.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
When Perry allegedly texted your cowboy needs a sugar daddy.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Dixon tried to deflect, you know, I said he was
just missing costume parts, but Perry allegedly pushed.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Back, asking what's true, cowboy needs a sugar daddy.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah. The complaint suggests this was an early, unmistakable sign
of Perry's alleged intentions, And.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Then came the big offer. Perry allegedly texted Dixon saying
he would love to find plaint Off a job and
change Plaintiff's life.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Offering him the role of Dale in the series Ruthless.
So the alleged psychological pressure, it seems, started almost right away.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Okay, so fast forward just a few months to January
twenty twenty, right.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
The complaint describes Perry allegedly trying to foster what it
calls extreme dependence. How so, well, things like buying Dixon
a new car because Perry apparently hated Dixon's jeep, and
his demands for attention allegedly escalated frequent texts calls.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
There's that specific text mentioned from New Year's Eve twenty nineteen, Yes.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Where Perry allegedly wrote, I can't tell you the last
time I pumped gas or had good sex. It was
before I was.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Rich, the alleged implication being pretty clear.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
There extremely clear, according to the complaint, that a sexual
relationship was expected.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Then the complaint reconstructs what it calls the first alleged
physical assault January twenty twenty, at Perry's home in Douglasville.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Dixon was invited over. Perry allegedly offered him alcoholic drinks
and then allegedly coerced him into staying overnight because he
was too intoxicated to drive.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Okay, and what allegedly happened.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Next The narrative continues, with Perry allegedly slipping into the
guest bed where Dixon was sleeping, rubbing his inner thigh
in a quote highly sexual and suggestive manner.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Dixon was reportedly shocked, jumped out.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Of bed, yes, and stated he wasn't that sexual, but
Perry allegedly ignored this, asked Dixon to turn around so
he could see him naked in his underwear, commenting on
how beautiful Dixon's body was.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Wow, and the alleged pressure didn't.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Stop after that night, not according to the complaint. Following
this incident, Perry allegedly sent texts suggesting Dixon needed to
quote get past that block in his mind soon.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
To allow someone to make love to you right.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
The complaint claims this implied Perry wanted Dixon to overcome
his resistance to a sexual relationship, specifically with him.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Okay, so the alleged control then seems to escalate significantly
with the show the.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Oval it does. Perry allegedly offered Dixon a role, but
then insisted Dixon quit his other job at Legendary Events
to work exclusively for Perry and.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
The character Dixon played, Dale, tell us about him.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Dale was written as gay, homeless, desperate. He even sleeps
with another character just for shelter. And then, importantly, at
the end of the season, Dale gets shot four times
in the chest.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
That sounds like a pivot moment, both for the character
and allegedly for Dixon in real.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Life, it absolutely seems that way. This is where the
complaint describes Perry allegedly using Dale's fate as direct leverageow
When Dixon asked about the shooting, Perry reportedly suggested that
if Dixon did a good job and kept him happy,
Dale could return. He apparently noted Dale was only shot
in the chest, not in the head.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Clearly implying his job security was tied to their quote relationship.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Exactly, and Dixon was apparently very aware that other actors
who'd allegedly displeased Perry had their characters killed off. Perry
had even allegedly stated explicitly he'd kill characters based on loyalty.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
The pressure must have been immense. And then there's another
alleged incident in March twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Yes, the complaint describes Perry inviting Dixon to his Atlanta home,
asking him directly if he liked it rough in bed,
and then allegedly physically grabbing and choking Dixon's throat while remarking, Wow, look,
how excited you just got you? Do like that? Dixon's
reaction reportedly horrified, shocked, and in a panic. It's an
(08:02):
alleged shift from suggestive comments to direct physical coercion. Precisely now.
When the COVID nineteen pandemic hit, filming for The Oval
was postponed, but the alleged harassment didn't stop. No, The
complaint describes Perry treating Dixon like an on call pet,
demanding immediate responses to texts and calls, expressing jealousy over
(08:23):
Dixon's social life, so.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
The pandemic pause didn't provide any relief.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Apparently not. It allegedly became an opportunity for Perry to
exert more intrusive control. He allegedly discouraged Dixon from seeing
his roommate due to COVID fears, encouraging him to move
into studio housing.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Where Parry would have more control, that's.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
The implication, and during this time, Perry allegedly boasted about
manipulating other actors through ruthless retaliation, reminding Dixon that characters
die in season two. If Perry was displeased, it reportedly
led Dixon to start documenting the harassment. The complaint details
what it calls a severe and pervasive tirade of sexual
(09:01):
commentary when filming resumed in twenty twenty. Specific examples alleged
remarks about Dixon's body, his walk, why do you twist
your hips when you walk? His weight? When will you
be thick again? And even explicit sexual threats like what
like I will gladly choxick you right now, allegedly referring
to choking Dixon sexually, and also comments like I love
(09:22):
how I feel right now, but I don't like being horny.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
The complaint also mentions Perry allegedly photographing Dixon's buttocks on set.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yes, and sending Dixon the pictures. Other texts allegedly showed
Perry's jealousy when Dixon was seen with other men, with
Perry calling Dixon so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
This constant barrage, Dixon must have felt incredibly trapped, the.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Complaint says he did, with nowhere to turn for hr support,
fearing any complaint would just get his character killed off.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Okay, Moving into November twenty twenty, the alleged assaults seem
to escalate even further.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Yes, On the second to last day of filming The Oval,
after Dale had seemingly been killed off, Perry alone legedly
invited Dixon to his trailer for drinks, and there Perry
reportedly asked Dixon directly, are you attracted to me? He
allegedly persisted even when Dixon tried to deflect, calling Dixon
good looking and sexy, telling him he was wasting his looks.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And this interaction allegedly climaxed, how with Perry allegedly pinning
Dixon against the wall and aggressively groping his buttocks.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Dixon reportedly felt frozen in horror, just letting his body
go cold.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
And limp Perry's reaction.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Afterwards, he allegedly excused himself by saying he was drunk
and asked Dixon to leave the very next day. The
complaint stays Perry acted like nothing happened, no apology.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Then there was the cast trip to the Bahamas in
October twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Right Parry's private island. Dixon felt he had to go,
fearing he'd be erased from the show if he.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Declined, and what allegedly happened there.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
During a party, Perry allegedly made strong alcoholic drinks, forced
Dixon to drink with him, and became bold and sexually aggressive.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Including possessive comments.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Yes allegedly saying he would have burnt the whole island
down if anyone else touched Dixon that night, and then
again allegedly aggressively groping Dixon's buttocks.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
So the alleged pattern continued, even offset in a supposedly
relaxed environment.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Exactly and all this alleged harassment started taking a significant
toll on Dixon's.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Health physically and mentally, both.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
By December twenty twenty he was experiencing severe symptoms acute stress, insomnia,
stomach problems, dangerously low cortisol.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Level, reading to medication, Yes.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Prescriptions for Zoloft and other antidepressants. He was later diagnosed
with PTSD. It shows the profound impact these alleged events.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Had, and the harassment didn't stop there. It continue into
twenty twenty one.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Allegedly, Yes, Perry reportedly kept sending unsolicited photos of dick
now body, making sexually charged comments asking about his sex life,
expressing jealousy.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
There's that particularly jarring alleged exchange mentioned.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
The one about Marx Yes Dixon saying something like, as
long as my face doesn't get messed up, as long
as it doesn't leave a.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Mark, and Perry allegedly replied, what will.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Leave a mark, Derek, say it on your neck. It's
a chilling detail, suggesting a shift from suggestive comments to well,
something darker, more threatening.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
There's another alleged text quoted.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Too, No straight man would be going on walks with
you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to
fuck you.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
I would fuck you, and the tense interaction on set
is also described.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
Yeah, where Perry allegedly lashed out, asking if he needed
to punch Dixon in the stomach. Dixon apparently interpreted this
as frustration over not getting the attention Perry desired.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
This all seems to build towards what the complaint describes
as a terrifying climax. On June fourth, twenty.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
Twenty one, that's right, Perry allegedly invited Dixon to his house,
supposedly to discuss a pilot Dixon had written called Losing It.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
But the conversation allegedly took a different turn.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
Perry allegedly made several strong drinks for himself and then
aggressively started probing Dixon about his sex life. Then, Perry
allegedly led Dixon to a guesthouse pushed him to use
a weight monitor, insisting he'd do it in only his underwear.
Dixon complied he did, and after that, Parry allegedly asked
for a good night hug, and then, according to the complaint,
(13:15):
Perry reached out and yanked Dixon's underwear down from behind
and allegedly began to vigorously grab, grope, and play with
Dixon's buttocks.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Dixon's reaction, he.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Reportedly pleaded, saying things like I didn't want to be naked.
I didn't want this, but Perry allegedly grabbed his arm,
told him to relax and just let it happen.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
That's a profoundly disturbing alleged incident, just horrific.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Dixon reportedly feared he might soon be raped, felt trapped, outnumbered,
given Perry's sighs and the alleged presence of armed security.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
How did he get away?
Speaker 3 (13:46):
He eventually escaped by asking for food that prompted Perry
to order a pizza. Dixon then managed to lock himself
in the guest house bathroom, contacting friends in a panic,
and the next morning, Perry allegedly tried to shift the blame,
said the incident shouldn't have happened, blamed his drinking. Dixon
was left feeling quote unspeakable horror.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
So in the aftermath of that alleged assault, what happened?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
The complaint details Perry's alleged immediate attempts to quote rectify
his misconduct.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
How by taking responsibility.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Not, according to Dixon, by allegedly blaming things like testosterone supplements,
offering a yacht trip, and promising again to produce Dixon's
pilot losing it.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Dixon saw these as attempts to silence him.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
That's how he perceived it. Yes, yeah, as a cover up.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Did he go on the oct trip?
Speaker 3 (14:33):
No, he refused, which led to about five months of
silence from Perry. During that time, Dixon started intensive therapy
PTSD depression anxiety.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
But then Perry's team rechet again.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Yes what the complaint calls Perry's fixers. They allegedly contacted
Dixon with a really compelling offer, which was his character
Dale would return to The Oval, not only return, but
with a significant raise from ten thousand dollars an episode
up to sixteen thousand dollars potentially nineteen thousand.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Dollars later and the pilot losing it.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
That promise was reaffirmed production for up to one million dollars.
So it wasn't just a job offer. It was allegedly
this very sophisticated silencing tactic wrapped up nicely.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Was there a condition attached?
Speaker 3 (15:17):
A very specific one? Allegedly, Dixon was explicitly forbidden from
discussing his rais with any other actors, so he accepted.
The document calls it an extremely difficult decision. He felt pressured,
feared losing his livelihood, but also still hoped for his career.
He accepted, but apparently put safeguards in place.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Did the promise about losing it ever materialize?
Speaker 3 (15:39):
This is where it gets complicated. Dixon returned to The
Oval set in November twenty twenty one. He actually suffered
a panic attack seeing Perry again after the alleged June assault. Understandable,
he signed the literary purchase agreement for losing It in
March twenty twenty two, but Dixon was allegedly unaware of
something crucial. What was that Perry apparently had a pre
existing contract with ViacomCBS that prevented him from selling the
(16:03):
show for two years.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
So Perry bought the rights and shot the pilot knowing
he couldn't actually sell it.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
That's the claim that it was a deliberate deception to
string Dixon along and keep him quiet.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
And meanwhile, back on The Oval.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
The new season allegedly featured Dixon's character Dale now is
a male prostitute being pursued by a pimp. The complaint
notes eerie similarities to Perry's alleged pursuit of Dixon.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Even using lines from their private conversations.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Allegedly yes, incorporating direct lines into the script.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
And did Perry ever address the June twenty twenty one
incident again Yes.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
In an alleged phone call in April twenty twenty two,
he apparently blamed Dixon, called it a misunderstanding, and said
Dixon needed to say.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
No stronger, blaming the victim.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
That's how it's presented, and as the pilot for losing
it remained stalled, Perry allegedly offered excuse after excuse, iike,
what a misplaced one million dollar budget? A depressed person
supposed to pitch it, all while allegedly continued viewing the
harassment with texts saying he loved Dixon and thought Dixon
should be having sex.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
More so, when did things finally reach a breaking point
for Dixon?
Speaker 3 (17:07):
June twenty twenty four, He realized, according to the complaint,
that Perry never intended to help his career, only to
silence him and prevent exposure of his dark side.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Was there a catalyst for this realization.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
It seems so. A social media video posted by another actor,
Christian Keys, in December twenty twenty three, Keys detailed similar
abuse by an anonymous black Hollywood billionaire.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
Dixon believed Keys was talking about Perry.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Yes, and seeing that allegedly strengthened his resolve to.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
Speak out himself, so he took action.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
He took what the complaint calls a heroic step. He
reported the alleged sexual harassment to the EEOC, the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
The federal agency for workplace discrimination exactly.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
But the complaint alleges that Perry's companies the defendants, conducted
no investigation, took no steps to prevent further harassment.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
So Dixon felt he had to leave.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yes, He quit the over sacrificing nearly four hundred thousand
dollars in potential earnings, specifically to avoid further harassment.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And what happened when he quit.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
This is where the retaliation claim comes in. The defendants
allegedly told Dixon he'd breach his contract if he revealed
the real reasons for leaving.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
They wanted him to say something else.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
They instructed him to portray his departure as a medical leave,
but then that leave was allegedly made unpaid, effectively terminating
his employment and causing more financial harm and distress.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Which brings us to the legal battle itself. Ten causes
of action filed.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
That's right, including quid pro quo sexual harassment, work environment harassment.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
What are some of the other key claims.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
There's sexual harassment in a defined relationship under California's Ralph
fact that's a civil rights statute against violence or threats
based on protected characteristics like sexual orientation. Here also workplaced
gender violence, and a violation of the Bayan Act that
specifically deals with interfering with civil rights through threats or coercion.
(19:00):
Irrelevant to the alleged leverage used.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
And claims against Perry personally.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Yes, direct claims of sexual battery and sexual assault against
Tyler Perry himself. What about the company's TPS and action
against TPS. There's negligent hiring, supervision or retention. The complaint
even alleges a cover up related to Christian Keys's earlier situation,
intentional infliction of emotional distress and retaliation under FAHA California's
(19:26):
Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
And the total damage is sought it's.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
A staggering figure, two hundred and sixty million dollars.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Wow. It's also worth noting this was filed in California.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
Yes, and that's significant because of California's Sexual Abuse and
Cover Up Accountability Act AB twenty seven to seven seven.
It extends the statute of limitations for these kinds of claims.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Making it possible for people to come forward years later.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Exactly, it potentially removes a major barrier for survivors seeking justice.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
So what we've just unpacked here is, well, it's a
comprehensive and deeply disturbing account of alleged abuse of power,
manipulation and coercion.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
It really is. It paints this detailed picture of a
system where allegedly ambition could be exploited and silence could
be enforced through this mix of promises and threats.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
This deep dive really reveals the immense cost psychological professional
for someone like Derek Dixon to come forward against such
a powerful figure.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Absolutely, and it really makes you wonder, doesn't it. In
industries where power is so concentrated, how many other people
might be facing similar dilemmas and what does it truly
take to break that kind of alleged cycle.
You found the podcast Go Beyond the Brief, where we
take a deep dive into the societal currents shaping our lives. Together,
we'll explore the often unseen forces at play. We'll examine
the research, dissect the data, and most importantly, if you're
seeking to understand what's shaping our society, this is the place.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Imagine pouring your heart into an artistic dream, dedicating years
only to find your career well allegedly held hostage, caught
in a web of coercion and fear.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
It's a tough scenario to even think about.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, and today we're diving into a legal document that
really brings this kind of chilling situation to life.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
That's right. We're looking closely at a detailed legal complaint.
It was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court June thirteenth,
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Filed by actor and screenwriter Derek.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Dixon exactly, and it levels some very very serious allegations
against media mogul Tyler Perry and also his companies TPS
Production Services and Action LLC.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
So our mission for this deep dive is to unpack
the timeline of these alleged events. We want to get
into this specific accusation's sexual harassment, assault, retaliation, and really
look at the complex power dynamics described in the complaint.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, the goal is for you, the listener, to understand
the full scope of what's being claimed here, straight from
the source material itself.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Okay, so let's set the stage. It's really crucial, I think,
to understand Tyler Perry's stature here.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Absolutely, he's this incredibly powerful, self made figure, rose against
the odds, hugely influential in entertainment.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
The complaint itself points this out. His net worth over
one point thirty six billion dollars, owning his own massive film.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Studio, right, and his success story, which was once seen
as you know, a symbol of perseverance, is now framed
in this complaint as something else, a cautionary tale, precisely
a tale of, as the complaint puts it, unchecked power,
wealth and influence.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
And this is where it gets really disturbing. Right from
the start, the legal complaint draws these direct, pretty explicit comparisons.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
Yeah, comparing Perry's alleged conduct to other really prominent figures
accused of exploitation.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Names you'll recognize, Rvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly Sean P. Diddy, Combs,
Kevin Spacey, Roger Ayles. I mean that's a heavy list.
It is.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
And the document basically states that Perry's success allegedly led
him to believe that well, money and influence can get
him whatever he wants, which.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Then allegedly morphed into this idea that he could get
whomever he.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Wants exactly, And that comparison right at the beginning, it
really frames the alleged power imbalance we're going to be
talking about.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Yeah, it does. And what's also striking is how the
complaint describes Perry's alleged ideal relationship dynamic. Mm.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
It paints this picture supposedly devoid of mutual consent or
emotional reciprocity.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It claims he sought a one sided, coercive dynamic, looking
for a male sexual partner who'd be like loyal but emotionally.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Detached, someone he could provide for, and importantly, someone who
would remain silent. There's even a direct quote in the
complaint attributed to Perry which one whoever ends up with
me is going to be a happy motherfucker. It really
underscores that alleged sense of entitlement.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
And you know control, and that alleged quote it sort
of sets up this pattern that seems to run through
the whole complaint, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
It does Perry allegedly offering these potentially career defining opportunities,
drawing people.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
In and then, according to the document, leveraging that influence
for what it calls quid pro quo sexual compromise.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
Right. It even details this alleged threat that Perry would
easily kill off a character if an actor didn't indulge
his alleged sexual demand.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Using their career their character as a weapon. That's a
chilling claim, it really is.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
And this brings us to the initial spark, the very
beginning of the alleged relationship between Perry and Dixon.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
September twenty nineteen, Perry's big studio opening party in Atlanta.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Yeah, Dixon was actually working there as event staff, and
Perry allegedly singled him out, asked about his acting dreams.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
And the complaint says on the last day of the party,
Perry insisted they exchanged phone numbers.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Dixon, wanting to be an actor and writer, later sent
Perry some Halloween costume photos, and that's.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
When Perry allegedly texted your cowboy needs a sugar daddy.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Dixon tried to deflect, you know, I said he was
just missing costume parts, but Perry allegedly pushed.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Back, asking what's true, cowboy needs a sugar daddy.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah. The complaint suggests this was an early, unmistakable sign
of Perry's alleged intentions, And.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Then came the big offer. Perry allegedly texted Dixon saying
he would love to find plaint Off a job and
change Plaintiff's life.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Offering him the role of Dale in the series Ruthless.
So the alleged psychological pressure, it seems, started almost right away.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Okay, so fast forward just a few months to January
twenty twenty, right.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
The complaint describes Perry allegedly trying to foster what it
calls extreme dependence. How so, well, things like buying Dixon
a new car because Perry apparently hated Dixon's jeep, and
his demands for attention allegedly escalated frequent texts calls.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
There's that specific text mentioned from New Year's Eve twenty nineteen, Yes.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Where Perry allegedly wrote, I can't tell you the last
time I pumped gas or had good sex. It was
before I was.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Rich, the alleged implication being pretty clear.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
There extremely clear, according to the complaint, that a sexual
relationship was expected.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Then the complaint reconstructs what it calls the first alleged
physical assault January twenty twenty, at Perry's home in Douglasville.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Dixon was invited over. Perry allegedly offered him alcoholic drinks
and then allegedly coerced him into staying overnight because he
was too intoxicated to drive.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Okay, and what allegedly happened.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Next The narrative continues, with Perry allegedly slipping into the
guest bed where Dixon was sleeping, rubbing his inner thigh
in a quote highly sexual and suggestive manner.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Dixon was reportedly shocked, jumped out.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Of bed, yes, and stated he wasn't that sexual, but
Perry allegedly ignored this, asked Dixon to turn around so
he could see him naked in his underwear, commenting on
how beautiful Dixon's body was.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Wow, and the alleged pressure didn't.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Stop after that night, not according to the complaint. Following
this incident, Perry allegedly sent texts suggesting Dixon needed to
quote get past that block in his mind soon.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
To allow someone to make love to you right.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
The complaint claims this implied Perry wanted Dixon to overcome
his resistance to a sexual relationship, specifically with him.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Okay, so the alleged control then seems to escalate significantly
with the show the.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Oval it does. Perry allegedly offered Dixon a role, but
then insisted Dixon quit his other job at Legendary Events
to work exclusively for Perry and.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
The character Dixon played, Dale, tell us about him.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Dale was written as gay, homeless, desperate. He even sleeps
with another character just for shelter. And then, importantly, at
the end of the season, Dale gets shot four times
in the chest.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
That sounds like a pivot moment, both for the character
and allegedly for Dixon in real.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Life, it absolutely seems that way. This is where the
complaint describes Perry allegedly using Dale's fate as direct leverageow
When Dixon asked about the shooting, Perry reportedly suggested that
if Dixon did a good job and kept him happy,
Dale could return. He apparently noted Dale was only shot
in the chest, not in the head.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Clearly implying his job security was tied to their quote relationship.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Exactly, and Dixon was apparently very aware that other actors
who'd allegedly displeased Perry had their characters killed off. Perry
had even allegedly stated explicitly he'd kill characters based on loyalty.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
The pressure must have been immense. And then there's another
alleged incident in March twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Yes, the complaint describes Perry inviting Dixon to his Atlanta home,
asking him directly if he liked it rough in bed,
and then allegedly physically grabbing and choking Dixon's throat while remarking, Wow, look,
how excited you just got you? Do like that? Dixon's
reaction reportedly horrified, shocked, and in a panic. It's an
(08:02):
alleged shift from suggestive comments to direct physical coercion. Precisely now.
When the COVID nineteen pandemic hit, filming for The Oval
was postponed, but the alleged harassment didn't stop. No, The
complaint describes Perry treating Dixon like an on call pet,
demanding immediate responses to texts and calls, expressing jealousy over
(08:23):
Dixon's social life, so.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
The pandemic pause didn't provide any relief.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Apparently not. It allegedly became an opportunity for Perry to
exert more intrusive control. He allegedly discouraged Dixon from seeing
his roommate due to COVID fears, encouraging him to move
into studio housing.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Where Parry would have more control, that's.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
The implication, and during this time, Perry allegedly boasted about
manipulating other actors through ruthless retaliation, reminding Dixon that characters
die in season two. If Perry was displeased, it reportedly
led Dixon to start documenting the harassment. The complaint details
what it calls a severe and pervasive tirade of sexual
(09:01):
commentary when filming resumed in twenty twenty. Specific examples alleged
remarks about Dixon's body, his walk, why do you twist
your hips when you walk? His weight? When will you
be thick again? And even explicit sexual threats like what
like I will gladly choxick you right now, allegedly referring
to choking Dixon sexually, and also comments like I love
(09:22):
how I feel right now, but I don't like being horny.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
The complaint also mentions Perry allegedly photographing Dixon's buttocks on set.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yes, and sending Dixon the pictures. Other texts allegedly showed
Perry's jealousy when Dixon was seen with other men, with
Perry calling Dixon so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
This constant barrage, Dixon must have felt incredibly trapped, the.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Complaint says he did, with nowhere to turn for hr support,
fearing any complaint would just get his character killed off.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Okay, Moving into November twenty twenty, the alleged assaults seem
to escalate even further.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Yes, On the second to last day of filming The Oval,
after Dale had seemingly been killed off, Perry alone legedly
invited Dixon to his trailer for drinks, and there Perry
reportedly asked Dixon directly, are you attracted to me? He
allegedly persisted even when Dixon tried to deflect, calling Dixon
good looking and sexy, telling him he was wasting his looks.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And this interaction allegedly climaxed, how with Perry allegedly pinning
Dixon against the wall and aggressively groping his buttocks.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Dixon reportedly felt frozen in horror, just letting his body
go cold.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
And limp Perry's reaction.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Afterwards, he allegedly excused himself by saying he was drunk
and asked Dixon to leave the very next day. The
complaint stays Perry acted like nothing happened, no apology.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Then there was the cast trip to the Bahamas in
October twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Right Parry's private island. Dixon felt he had to go,
fearing he'd be erased from the show if he.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Declined, and what allegedly happened there.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
During a party, Perry allegedly made strong alcoholic drinks, forced
Dixon to drink with him, and became bold and sexually aggressive.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Including possessive comments.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Yes allegedly saying he would have burnt the whole island
down if anyone else touched Dixon that night, and then
again allegedly aggressively groping Dixon's buttocks.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
So the alleged pattern continued, even offset in a supposedly
relaxed environment.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Exactly and all this alleged harassment started taking a significant
toll on Dixon's.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Health physically and mentally, both.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
By December twenty twenty he was experiencing severe symptoms acute stress, insomnia,
stomach problems, dangerously low cortisol.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Level, reading to medication, Yes.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Prescriptions for Zoloft and other antidepressants. He was later diagnosed
with PTSD. It shows the profound impact these alleged events.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Had, and the harassment didn't stop there. It continue into
twenty twenty one.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Allegedly, Yes, Perry reportedly kept sending unsolicited photos of dick
now body, making sexually charged comments asking about his sex life,
expressing jealousy.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
There's that particularly jarring alleged exchange mentioned.
Speaker 3 (11:55):
The one about Marx Yes Dixon saying something like, as
long as my face doesn't get messed up, as long
as it doesn't leave a.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Mark, and Perry allegedly replied, what will.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Leave a mark, Derek, say it on your neck. It's
a chilling detail, suggesting a shift from suggestive comments to well,
something darker, more threatening.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
There's another alleged text quoted.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
Too, No straight man would be going on walks with
you or cooking dinner for you unless they wanted to
fuck you.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
I would fuck you, and the tense interaction on set
is also described.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
Yeah, where Perry allegedly lashed out, asking if he needed
to punch Dixon in the stomach. Dixon apparently interpreted this
as frustration over not getting the attention Perry desired.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
This all seems to build towards what the complaint describes
as a terrifying climax. On June fourth, twenty.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
Twenty one, that's right, Perry allegedly invited Dixon to his house,
supposedly to discuss a pilot Dixon had written called Losing It.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
But the conversation allegedly took a different turn.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
Perry allegedly made several strong drinks for himself and then
aggressively started probing Dixon about his sex life. Then, Perry
allegedly led Dixon to a guesthouse pushed him to use
a weight monitor, insisting he'd do it in only his underwear.
Dixon complied he did, and after that, Parry allegedly asked
for a good night hug, and then, according to the complaint,
(13:15):
Perry reached out and yanked Dixon's underwear down from behind
and allegedly began to vigorously grab, grope, and play with
Dixon's buttocks.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Dixon's reaction, he.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Reportedly pleaded, saying things like I didn't want to be naked.
I didn't want this, but Perry allegedly grabbed his arm,
told him to relax and just let it happen.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
That's a profoundly disturbing alleged incident, just horrific.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Dixon reportedly feared he might soon be raped, felt trapped, outnumbered,
given Perry's sighs and the alleged presence of armed security.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
How did he get away?
Speaker 3 (13:46):
He eventually escaped by asking for food that prompted Perry
to order a pizza. Dixon then managed to lock himself
in the guest house bathroom, contacting friends in a panic,
and the next morning, Perry allegedly tried to shift the blame,
said the incident shouldn't have happened, blamed his drinking. Dixon
was left feeling quote unspeakable horror.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
So in the aftermath of that alleged assault, what happened?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
The complaint details Perry's alleged immediate attempts to quote rectify
his misconduct.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
How by taking responsibility.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Not, according to Dixon, by allegedly blaming things like testosterone supplements,
offering a yacht trip, and promising again to produce Dixon's
pilot losing it.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Dixon saw these as attempts to silence him.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
That's how he perceived it. Yes, yeah, as a cover up.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Did he go on the oct trip?
Speaker 3 (14:33):
No, he refused, which led to about five months of
silence from Perry. During that time, Dixon started intensive therapy
PTSD depression anxiety.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
But then Perry's team rechet again.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Yes what the complaint calls Perry's fixers. They allegedly contacted
Dixon with a really compelling offer, which was his character
Dale would return to The Oval, not only return, but
with a significant raise from ten thousand dollars an episode
up to sixteen thousand dollars potentially nineteen thousand.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Dollars later and the pilot losing it.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
That promise was reaffirmed production for up to one million dollars.
So it wasn't just a job offer. It was allegedly
this very sophisticated silencing tactic wrapped up nicely.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Was there a condition attached?
Speaker 3 (15:17):
A very specific one? Allegedly, Dixon was explicitly forbidden from
discussing his rais with any other actors, so he accepted.
The document calls it an extremely difficult decision. He felt pressured,
feared losing his livelihood, but also still hoped for his career.
He accepted, but apparently put safeguards in place.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Did the promise about losing it ever materialize?
Speaker 3 (15:39):
This is where it gets complicated. Dixon returned to The
Oval set in November twenty twenty one. He actually suffered
a panic attack seeing Perry again after the alleged June assault. Understandable,
he signed the literary purchase agreement for losing It in
March twenty twenty two, but Dixon was allegedly unaware of
something crucial. What was that Perry apparently had a pre
existing contract with ViacomCBS that prevented him from selling the
(16:03):
show for two years.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
So Perry bought the rights and shot the pilot knowing
he couldn't actually sell it.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
That's the claim that it was a deliberate deception to
string Dixon along and keep him quiet.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
And meanwhile, back on The Oval.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
The new season allegedly featured Dixon's character Dale now is
a male prostitute being pursued by a pimp. The complaint
notes eerie similarities to Perry's alleged pursuit of Dixon.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Even using lines from their private conversations.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
Allegedly yes, incorporating direct lines into the script.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
And did Perry ever address the June twenty twenty one
incident again Yes.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
In an alleged phone call in April twenty twenty two,
he apparently blamed Dixon, called it a misunderstanding, and said
Dixon needed to say.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
No stronger, blaming the victim.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
That's how it's presented, and as the pilot for losing
it remained stalled, Perry allegedly offered excuse after excuse, iike,
what a misplaced one million dollar budget? A depressed person
supposed to pitch it, all while allegedly continued viewing the
harassment with texts saying he loved Dixon and thought Dixon
should be having sex.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
More so, when did things finally reach a breaking point
for Dixon?
Speaker 3 (17:07):
June twenty twenty four, He realized, according to the complaint,
that Perry never intended to help his career, only to
silence him and prevent exposure of his dark side.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Was there a catalyst for this realization.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
It seems so. A social media video posted by another actor,
Christian Keys, in December twenty twenty three, Keys detailed similar
abuse by an anonymous black Hollywood billionaire.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
Dixon believed Keys was talking about Perry.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Yes, and seeing that allegedly strengthened his resolve to.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
Speak out himself, so he took action.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
He took what the complaint calls a heroic step. He
reported the alleged sexual harassment to the EEOC, the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
The federal agency for workplace discrimination exactly.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
But the complaint alleges that Perry's companies the defendants, conducted
no investigation, took no steps to prevent further harassment.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
So Dixon felt he had to leave.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yes, He quit the over sacrificing nearly four hundred thousand
dollars in potential earnings, specifically to avoid further harassment.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And what happened when he quit.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
This is where the retaliation claim comes in. The defendants
allegedly told Dixon he'd breach his contract if he revealed
the real reasons for leaving.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
They wanted him to say something else.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
They instructed him to portray his departure as a medical leave,
but then that leave was allegedly made unpaid, effectively terminating
his employment and causing more financial harm and distress.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Which brings us to the legal battle itself. Ten causes
of action filed.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
That's right, including quid pro quo sexual harassment, work environment harassment.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
What are some of the other key claims.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
There's sexual harassment in a defined relationship under California's Ralph
fact that's a civil rights statute against violence or threats
based on protected characteristics like sexual orientation. Here also workplaced
gender violence, and a violation of the Bayan Act that
specifically deals with interfering with civil rights through threats or coercion.
(19:00):
Irrelevant to the alleged leverage used.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
And claims against Perry personally.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Yes, direct claims of sexual battery and sexual assault against
Tyler Perry himself. What about the company's TPS and action
against TPS. There's negligent hiring, supervision or retention. The complaint
even alleges a cover up related to Christian Keys's earlier situation,
intentional infliction of emotional distress and retaliation under FAHA California's
(19:26):
Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
And the total damage is sought it's.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
A staggering figure, two hundred and sixty million dollars.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Wow. It's also worth noting this was filed in California.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
Yes, and that's significant because of California's Sexual Abuse and
Cover Up Accountability Act AB twenty seven to seven seven.
It extends the statute of limitations for these kinds of claims.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Making it possible for people to come forward years later.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Exactly, it potentially removes a major barrier for survivors seeking justice.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
So what we've just unpacked here is, well, it's a
comprehensive and deeply disturbing account of alleged abuse of power,
manipulation and coercion.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
It really is. It paints this detailed picture of a
system where allegedly ambition could be exploited and silence could
be enforced through this mix of promises and threats.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
This deep dive really reveals the immense cost psychological professional
for someone like Derek Dixon to come forward against such
a powerful figure.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Absolutely, and it really makes you wonder, doesn't it. In
industries where power is so concentrated, how many other people
might be facing similar dilemmas and what does it truly
take to break that kind of alleged cycle.
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