Tyler Perry vehemently denies sexual assault allegations calling them untrue and manipulative

According to an exclusive report by Us Weekly, Tyler Perry informed the court that the sexual assault allegations made against him by actor Derek Dixon are “deeply disheartening, manipulative, and — crucially — untrue.”

On October 1, Perry’s attorneys submitted legal papers challenging the accusations in Dixon’s lawsuit, which demands $260 million from Perry, 56, and his production firm for alleged sexual misconduct by the renowned filmmaker.

In his submitted declaration, Perry asserted that Dixon’s legal action “leverages industry clichés and the wrongdoings of others, with Dixon, 35, misrepresenting and attempting to cast Mr. Perry’s gestures of innocent camaraderie and career guidance in a malevolent light.”

Perry’s court submission stated, “Dixon fabricates purported assaults and interactions that never occurred. Mr. Perry never subjected Dixon to assault or any form of sexual battery. He did not extend offers of increased compensation or produce Dixon’s TV pilot script with the intent to intimidate, compel, or dominate Dixon.”

His attorney pointed out that “Dixon acquired any career advancements he gained from [Perry and his company] solely through his own achievements.” The lawyer added, “Furthermore, it is noteworthy that in his attempt to capitalize on his bond and professional association with Mr. Perry for a $260 million payout, Dixon was compelled to misrepresent not only Mr. Perry but also himself.”

Perry’s legal representatives claimed that Dixon initiated “this legal action not because of any actions” Perry took, but rather “due to what” Perry failed to accomplish. Perry’s team posits that Dixon chose to levy sexual misconduct charges against him because Perry was unsuccessful in selling Dixon’s television pilot to Netflix.

Perry declared that this lawsuit, “however trite it may seem, centers on Dixon’s covetousness and desire for wealth, not on Mr. Perry’s purported and nonexistent harassment or mistreatment. Mr. Perry eagerly anticipates disputing every single baseless charge in legal proceedings.”

The filmmaker additionally contended that Dixon commenced the legal action in the incorrect jurisdiction. He stated that California is an inappropriate location for the allegations to be heard and maintained that the matter ought to have been brought in Georgia.

Perry’s counsel further asserted, “Through his conduct and unfounded allegations, it is evident that Dixon requires assistance. However, he will not obtain it within this judicial forum.”

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The court submission further claimed, “Despite Dixon’s assertion that he endured intensifying sexual impropriety, he readily accepted a part in the second season of Mr. Perry’s TV series, The Oval.”

Perry’s representatives additionally highlighted that the accusations are precluded by Georgia’s statute of limitations.

Jonathan Delshad, Dixon’s attorney, informed Us, “Our legal filing contains text messages in which Mr. Perry directed overt sexual comments at Mr. Dixon, inquired about his intimate life, and offered career prospects contingent on those exchanges. This precisely constitutes harassment and coercion, and such behavior is unlawful. Significantly absent from their submitted documents is any denial of the genuineness of these text messages, as Perry is aware of their authenticity.”

Delshad proceeded, “No employer is entitled to exploit or jeopardize an employee’s career in exchange for sexual demands. This is precisely the purpose of sexual harassment legislation—to safeguard everyone from workplace power abuse, particularly when the individual wielding such power is wealthy, holds sway in the media, and habitually evades accountability for their misuse of authority.”

“To be unequivocal, we are confident that we can demonstrate to a jury that sexual harassment, assault, and battery unequivocally occurred, and we are eager to present all our evidence to the jury,” Dixon’s legal counsel concluded.

As Us had earlier disclosed, in June, Dixon initiated a lawsuit against Perry and his production firm, citing alleged sexual assault that took place during the filming of The Oval.

Within his legal complaint, Dixon asserted that he first encountered Perry at a 2019 event. He maintained that the director requested his contact information, subsequently resulting in a minor part in another Perry series titled Ruthless.

Dixon stated that Perry extended an invitation to his Atlanta residence in 2020. He recounted visiting to discuss his acting profession. The lawsuit claimed that Dixon consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and stayed overnight. Within the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of entering his bed and making contact with his thighs. Dixon mentioned rejecting Perry’s overtures but alleged that Perry persistently pursued him across a period of time.

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Dixon stated that he ultimately secured a role in Perry’s program, The Oval. He noted that circumstances shifted when Perry reportedly began sending him improper, sexually suggestive messages and even interrogated him about his sexual proclivities.

Dixon asserted that he informed Perry he was not a “sexual type” with the expectation that this would cease the conduct. The performer claimed he worried about losing employment if he persisted in rebuffing Perry. He recounted that during a subsequent visit to Perry’s home in 2020, the atmosphere shifted. He alleged Perry inquired if he “prefers it rough in bed.” The lawsuit stated the director also clutched Dixon by his throat, remarking, “observe your excitement just now.” Dixon presented several purported text messages from Perry as evidence within his litigation.

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Dixon alleged he went to Perry’s residence in June 2021, at which point another purported improper event transpired. He recalled that while he was in his undergarments, Perry approached him for an embrace. He stated that Perry lowered his underwear and fondled his buttocks. “Calm down and simply allow it,” Dixon claimed Perry instructed him before he managed to shift the subject of their discussion. Dixon’s attorney indicated that the actor lodged a formal grievance and resigned from The Oval in 2024 due to the alleged sexual harassment. Dixon sought $260 million in compensation.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).