Derek Dixon accuses Tyler Perry of assault, harassment in $260M suit

Actor and writer Derek Dixon said Tuesday that he was sexually assaulted and repeatedly harassed by entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, alleging the encounters took place at Perry's Atlanta residence and that persistent advances and messages cost him his role on Perry's BET series The Oval. Dixon made the claims in his first televised interview since filing a $260 million lawsuit in June accusing Perry of quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual battery, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry and his lawyers have denied the allegations.

Dixon told ABC News that on one occasion, while returning to a guest area at Perry's home, Perry "reached down and pulled my underwear down and grabbed my ass." Dixon said he tried to stop him, and that Perry told him "No, no, no, it's okay. Just go with it," then reassured him "I'm not going to hurt you." He said the episode ended with him locking himself in a guest-house bathroom until Perry left and that Perry called to apologize the next day. Dixon also described an earlier night when he said Perry climbed into his bed, began rubbing his leg and commented on his appearance after Dixon pushed away.