Who is Derek Dixon, ‘The Oval’ actor who accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment?

Derek Dixon is an actor who is best known for his role as Dale on The Oval and Ruthless.

Updated on: Jun 18, 2025, 04:58:28 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Actor Derek Dixon has accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment and assault in a lawsuit filed against the ‘The Oval’ creator.

Derek Dixon has sought $260 million in damages from Tyler Perry. (Instagram/ AP)

According to the lawsuit, Perry abused his power to sexually exploit him. Dixon, who worked in multiple episodes of ‘The Oval’ has sought $260 million in damages.

But who exactly is Derek Dixon?

Meet Derek Dixon, the actor who accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment

Born Derek Alexander Dixon in Raleigh, North Carolina, he studied at Marymount Manhattan College and acted at The Terry Schreiber Studio in New York.

Derek Dixon is best known for his role as Dale on The Oval and Ruthless.

He is also the co-winner of the 2016 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award. He’s performed in plays including: The Lion in Winter, Romeo and Juliet, and The Boys In The Band and has written several full-length plays, including: Homewrecker, Red Snow, Pictures of People, Work of Art, and Green Light. In 2015, he joined Working Title Playwrights.

Dixon was working with an events company when he met Tyler Perry at a party in 2019 and was offered a role on ‘The Restless’.

Soon after, he also landed a role on ‘The Oval’, playing the character of Dale for more than 100 episodes before eventually quitting the show.

According to Dixon’s lawsuit, Tyler Perry subjected him "to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when he did not reciprocate the showbiz mogul’s unwanted advances," Dixon claims that this led to him allegedly quitting in Season 6.

Perry's lawyer denied the allegations in a statement shared with USA Today.

"This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” said attorney Matthew Boyd.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay connected with all the glitz and glam from the world of entertainment, right from Hollywood gossip to Bollywood chit chat. Also don't miss out on music buzz, anime scoops and OTT action.