Tyler Perry's Sexual Assault Accuser Faces Backlash After Taking Claims To National TV

The ongoing drama between Tyler Perry and his sexual assault accuser, Derek Dixon, has many rolling their eyes in disbelief.

Fans recently trolled the actor on social media, accusing him of attempting to earn a massive payout with his allegations. Many stood by the billionaire movie producer's side, claiming Dixon's sexual assault accusations sounded a lot like BS.

Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry in June, accusing him of sexual battery, sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. He sat down for his first televised interview since the filing on Tuesday, September 9.

Dixon became the internet's latest punching bag following his now-viral interview with ABC News Live anchor Linsey Davis. The network dropped a teaser of the exclusive discussion on Instagram, capturing the actor's recollection of the first alleged incident.

"I got into bed and then I noticed that he climbed into bed with me as well and started rubbing my leg, and I jumped up out of bed," Dixon recalled.

He also claimed people would be unable to relate to his struggles unless they have "been through something where they have their control over their bodies taken away."

Dixon's words sparked backlash as many called him out for lying and attempting to exploit Perry. "I am so tired of seeing folks try to sue their way to the top. Get a job, work hard, and earn your own bread!" a critic wrote. Another agreed, declaring, "Boy get a job."

The criticisms continued, with someone arguing that Perry was too smart to risk his career for a man like Dixon. "This man is lying," an IG user added, with another noting they could not trust the actor's words because his accusations sounded made up.

"He's just trying to score a large payday by taking a black man down!" a fan claimed, with more IG users echoing the same exploitation narrative. "Bruh - these albino alligators are poison- he saw an opportunity and ran with it," someone speculated.

Others slammed the network for allowing Dixon to spread his alleged lies, especially for using a Black journalist in the interview. "If he was suing a white wealthy man they would have given the story to a white journalist.We better see BLACK JURORS IN THE COURT ROOM !!" a fan stressed.

The full televised interview dropped on Tuesday, September 9, capturing Dixon's candid recollection of what transpired between him and Perry. He explained the reason behind his $260 million demand, claiming he wasn't seeking a massive payout but to teach a valuable lesson.

"Part of that number is my lost job, my lost income, the loss of a show. The other part of that is a deterrent for how do you stop a billionaire who won't stop themselves from doing this," Dixon explained. He hoped his lawsuit would deter Perry from attacking more employees or coercing them to give sexual favors.

Dixon claimed justice for him would be Perry taking accountability for his actions, telling ABC News that he hopes his lawsuit would save other actors under the billionaire and in the industry from the sexual abuse he allegedly endured.

Dixon claimed he first met Perry at a studio opening party in 2019 while he worked for an events company. The latter allegedly gave him his number after asking if he was an actor, and their work relationship began in early 2020.

The TV personality landed the role of Dale in Perry's BET series "The Oval," an opportunity he noted he had always wanted. However, Perry allegedly began sending him inappropriate text messages that spiralled into the first alleged incident at the movie producer's guest house and more.

Perry denied the accusations through his attorney, Matthew Boyd, who stated that Dixon had intentionally gotten close to Perry to orchestrate "a scam." The legal rep added that the allegations were false, declaring:

"Tyler will not be shaken down, and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail."

Days after Dixon filed his sexual assault allegations against Perry in June, The Blast reported that the entertainment mogul was unbothered by the drama. He was spotted in high spirits at the Paris stop for Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour.

From vibing with the music to laughing and chatting with friends, Perry did not seem like a man facing a $260 million lawsuit. Fan videos from the event also caught him hanging out with the "TYRANT" hitmaker's mother, Tina Knowles.

Perry's appearance at the concert sparked mixed reactions from fans. Some believed the outing proved he was innocent and confident about winning the sexual assault lawsuit. On the other hand, others saw his behavior as a distraction and an attempt to sway the public.

Who will emerge victorious in the legal battle between Tyler Perry and Derek Dixon?