Derek Dixon opened up about his lawsuit in opposition to Tyler Perry, alleging sexual misconduct and revealing why he stayed silent till now.
Actor Derek Dixon detailed disturbing allegations and his determination to go public in a brand new interview after suing Tyler Perry for $260 million, claiming sexual harassment and abuse of energy throughout his time on The Oval.
The actor, who performed a recurring function in Perry’s BET drama, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in his first public remarks since submitting the lawsuit. “Everybody deserves to go to work and do their job with out their boss attempting to have intercourse with them,” Dixon stated.
He alleges Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” by dangling guarantees of profession alternatives in trade for sexual favors. Dixon claims the director despatched him express messages and likewise described particular incidents, together with Perry allegedly groping him in a trailer and climbing into mattress with him after an evening of consuming.
In a single occasion, Dixon stated he locked himself in a rest room in a single day at Perry’s residence in 2021, fearing he is perhaps raped.
Dixon Claims He Acquired Treats After Accusing Tyler Perry
“I used to be too afraid to come back ahead. I knew it could be terrible. And I used to be proper,” Dixon stated, explaining his preliminary silence. “I attempted to persuade myself that this was a part of the business, or that I needed to settle for it to maintain working. However ultimately, I couldn’t keep silent anymore.”
He added, “I couldn’t simply let him get away with this.”
Since submitting the lawsuit, Dixon stated he’s acquired threats and backlash. “That is why folks, particularly males, don’t come ahead,” he stated.
The lawsuit additionally claims Dixon’s character on The Oval was left in limbo as a type of strain. He says the stress from the alleged harassment led to despair, nervousness, bodily sickness and a PTSD prognosis.
Perry, by means of his authorized staff, has categorically denied all accusations, calling the lawsuit a “rip-off” and asserting that the claims are fabricated.
Requested whether or not he would take into account a non-public settlement, Dixon stated, “There are at all times makes an attempt to resolve conditions like this privately, however they by no means end in the kind of change crucial to guard additional victims. On the finish of the day my absolute worry is that he’ll be capable to proceed doing this with none main penalties.”
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