Tyler Perry Accuser Derek Dixon Breaks Silence After Filing $260 Million Lawsuit

The 30-something-year-old actor felt he "couldn't stay silent" any longer and has spoken out for the first time since filing his lawsuit, alleging sexual harassment and assault, among other claims.

Derek Dixon is giving his side of the story regarding the allegations he leveled against entertainment mogul Tyler Perry. The TV actor filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry last month, accusing him of creating a "coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic" between them.

This dynamic, according to Dixon, defined their relationship while he worked on Perry's TV shows "The Oval" and "Ruthless." The complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, alleges that Perry had promised Dixon career and advancement opportunities.

However, the "Madea Goes to Jail" actor reportedly subjected Dixon to "escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation" when he did not reciprocate his "unwanted advances."

Dixon's complaint details several of these unwanted advances, including an instance where Perry allegedly pinned him against a wall and groped him, and another in which he reportedly snuck into his bed.

Dixon recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter (THR) in an email interview published on Thursday, July 10, providing more context into his experience. He admitted that going forward with a lawsuit has been "terrifying," but he felt compelled to say something.

"I couldn't just let him get away with this," he told THR. "Everyone deserves to go to work and do their job without their boss trying to have sex with them. My goal is to help ensure that the next generation of actors and creatives don't have to choose between their dreams and their dignity."

Perry has denied all allegations via his attorney, Matthew Boyd. "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam," Boyd said.

"But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail," he continued. Dixon was asked if he tried settling with Perry before suing him.

"There are always attempts to resolve situations like this privately, but they never result in the type of change necessary to protect further victims," he said. "At the end of the day my absolute fear is that he will be able to continue doing this without any major consequences."

Dixon also reflected on the mixed response he has received since his allegations went public. While there have been messages of support, he has also faced online death threats and harassment. "This is why people, especially men, don't come forward," he said.