Tyler Perry's legal team has responded to sexual assault allegations made by actor Derek Dixon, asserting that the claims are false and that Dixon "needs help." Perry's team argues that Dixon is exploiting their past friendship and professional relationship to seek a substantial financial payout.
In June, Dixon accused Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and retaliation, seeking $260 million in damages. Dixon, who appeared in Perry's shows "The Oval" and "Ruthless," alleged that Perry created a sexually exploitative dynamic while he was working on these productions.
Perry's legal filing on October 1 claims that Dixon's lawsuit is cynical and untrue, distorting acts of platonic friendship and professional mentorship into sinister encounters. The filing denies any assault or sexual battery by Perry and states that Dixon invented alleged assaults. Perry's team also contends that Dixon filed the lawsuit out of greed and because Perry was unable to sell Dixon's television pilot to Netflix, and that the suit was filed in the wrong state.
Dixon's attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, maintains that Perry's filing lacks evidence to refute text messages allegedly showing explicit sexual remarks from Perry and dangled professional opportunities based on these interactions. Delshad expressed certainty in proving that sexual harassment, assault, and battery occurred, and suggested that other individuals might come forward with similar stories about Perry.
Dixon's complaint details alleged encounters beginning in 2019, including suggestive texts from Perry, an o... download the app to read more
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