Perry faces lawsuit over sexual harassment, assault allegations

TYLER Perry was accused of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Perry for years.

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In a complaint filed last Friday, Dixon alleges that Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon while they worked on The Oval, a BET drama series produced by Perry.

Dixon has sued Perry for quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery, among other claims. He is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial. Representatives for Dixon pointed to the lawsuit when reached for comment.

In the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of “initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show, only to subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Dixon did not reciprocate Perry’s unwanted advances”, according to the lawsuit.