Derek Dixon, for the first time since lodging a staggering $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, is breaking his silence regarding allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliatory actions. The actor, who portrayed Dale in Perry's TV series 'Ruthless' and 'The Oval', confided in an email interview with The Hollywood Reporter that initiating legal proceedings against the entertainment titan has been "wrenching" yet "I couldn't remain silent; justice demanded to be served."
"Every individual deserves a workplace free from sexual predators in positions of power," Dixon emphasized. "My ultimate aspiration is to safeguard the future of actors and creatives, ensuring they never have to compromise between their aspirations and their self-respect."
Matthew Boyd, Perry's legal counsel, echoed his earlier statement to PEOPLE magazine in the aftermath of Dixon's interview, asserting, "This individual seemed to have befriended Tyler Perry with the sole intention of orchestrating a scam." He further contended, "Perry will not be intimidated, and we are fully confident that these manufactured harassment claims will crumble under scrutiny."
Since filing the lawsuit a month prior, Dixon has faced a spectrum of reactions, including death threats. Reflecting on the negative attention, he lamented, "This is precisely why individuals, particularly men, hesitate to come forward. I was terrified. I foresaw the turmoil, and I was spot on."
When queried about attempting a private settlement with Perry before lodging the complaint, Dixon responded, "Certainly, private resolutions are always explored in such scenarios, but they rarely lead to the transformative change required to shield future victims. My deepest fear is that Perry will continue unchallenged."
Dixon admitted to grappling for an extended period with the notion that such behavior was an industry norm, or a necessary evil to sustain his career. "But eventually, silence became unbearable," he confessed.
Dixon's June 13 lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, paints a picture of Perry fostering "a coercive and sexually exploitative environment." The complaint alleges that Perry, after initially dangling career advancement and creative opportunities, subjected Dixon to escalating instances of sexual harassment, assault, battery, and professional retaliation when his advances were unrequited.
Specific instances detailed in the complaint include Perry allegedly pinning Dixon against a wall in his trailer and "aggressively fondling his buttocks in a sexual manner," alongside multiple sexual assaults that transpired at Perry's residence.
The lawsuit accuses Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, retaliation, among other claims. Dixon is seeking a jury trial and seeks damages amounting to $260 million.
