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 choice 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 position in Perry’s BET drama, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in his first public remarks since submitting the lawsuit. “Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them,” Dixon mentioned.

He alleges Perry created a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” by dangling guarantees of profession alternatives in alternate for sexual favors. Dixon claims the director despatched him specific 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 one occasion, Dixon mentioned he locked himself in a rest room in a single day at Perry’s dwelling in 2021, fearing he is perhaps raped.

Dixon Claims He Received Treats After Accusing Tyler Perry

“I was too afraid to come forward. I knew it would be awful. And I was right,” Dixon mentioned, explaining his preliminary silence. “I tried to convince myself that this was part of the industry, or that I had to accept it to keep working. But eventually, I couldn’t stay silent anymore.”

He added, “I couldn’t just let him get away with this.”

Since submitting the lawsuit, Dixon mentioned he’s acquired threats and backlash. “This is why people, especially men, don’t come forward,” he mentioned.

The lawsuit additionally claims Dixon’s character on The Oval was left in limbo as a type of stress. He says the stress from the alleged harassment led to despair, nervousness, bodily sickness and a PTSD analysis.

Perry, by means of his authorized crew, has categorically denied all accusations, calling the lawsuit a “scam” and asserting that the claims are fabricated.

Asked whether or not he would take into account a non-public settlement, Dixon mentioned, “There are always attempts to resolve situations like this privately, but they never result in the type of change necessary to protect further victims. At the end of the day my absolute fear is that he will be able to continue doing this without any major consequences.”

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