Power and Abuse in Hollywood: A TV Drama Unfolds

A TV actor has taken legal action against a powerful figure in Hollywood, accusing him of using his influence to exploit and assault him. The actor, Derek Dixon, starred in 85 episodes of the BET series "The Oval, " created by Tyler Perry. Dixon's lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, seeks at least $260 million in damages, alleging a pattern of sexual harassment and assault. The lawsuit claims that Perry first took notice of Dixon in 2019, offering him an audition and eventually a role in "Ruthless" before landing a significant part in "The Oval. " However, the actor says that Perry's advances quickly turned unwanted and aggressive. The lawsuit includes screenshots of explicit text messages sent by Perry, such as "What’s it going to take for you to have guiltless sex? " Dixon alleges that Perry used his power to control the actor, threatening to kill off his character if he didn't comply with his demands. The lawsuit describes multiple instances of sexual assault, including one where Perry forcibly removed Dixon's clothing and attempted to assault him. Dixon reportedly tried to maintain boundaries while keeping Perry happy, fearing for his role on the show. The actor claims that after one incident, Perry apologized and offered to help produce Dixon's TV pilot, "Losing It. " However, the lawsuit suggests that Perry had no intention of selling the show, using it instead as leverage over Dixon. The actor also received a raise, which the lawsuit implies was an attempt to keep him quiet. Dixon eventually moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles to distance himself from Perry. In 2024, he filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When no action was taken, he quit his job. The lawsuit paints a picture of a powerful figure using his influence to exploit and control a younger actor, raising questions about power dynamics in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has a history of such abuses, with many high-profile cases coming to light in recent years. This lawsuit is another example of how power can be misused, and how important it is for those in positions of influence to act responsibly. It's a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, there can be a dark side to show business.