Entertainment
Derek Dixon Sues Tyler Perry for $260M in Sexual Harassment Case
Tyler Perry sued by actor on ‘The Oval’ for sexual assault and harassment
Tyler Perry was accused of sexual harassment, assault and retaliation in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week by Derek Dixon, an actor who worked with Perry for years.
In a complaint filed Friday, June 13, Dixon alleges that Perry created “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” with Dixon while they worked on “The Oval,” a BET drama series produced by Perry.
Dixon has sued Perry for quid pro quo, sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment, and sexual assault and battery, among other claims. He is seeking $260 million in damages and a jury trial. Representatives for Dixon pointed to the lawsuit when reached for comment.
In the complaint, Dixon accused Perry of “initially promising him career advancement and creative opportunities, such as producing his pilot and casting him in his show, only to subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Mr. Dixon did not reciprocate Mr. Perry’s unwanted advances,” according to the lawsuit.
Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd, denied any wrongdoing by Perry in a statement: “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”
In the 46-page lawsuit, Dixon alleges that he met Perry in September 2019 while working for an event company in Atlanta organizing a party for Perry’s studio. Over the next few months, Perry allegedly texted Dixon about finding him a job and changing his life. He was offered a role as the character Dale in Perry’s show “Ruthless” in November 2019, according to the lawsuit.
The two continued to exchange messages throughout the winter, the suit says. In January 2020, months after Dixon took on the “Ruthless” role, Dixon was invited to Perry’s home in Georgia, where Perry allegedly sexually assaulted Dixon.
After the incident, Dixon ignored Perry’s messages until Perry offered him a series regular role on “The Oval,” according to the suit. “Dixon was intrigued and was hoping that this would be the big break that he was looking for and a chance for him to display his acting talent,” the complaint says.
In March 2020, while reading a script about his character in “The Oval,” Dixon realized his character’s fate was left uncertain, the lawsuit says. Dixon then believed that Perry would make the character die if Dixon “ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos,” the suit says.
Dixon also alleged that Perry aggressively groped Dixon in a sexual manner during a cast trip in October 2020.
The sexual harassment, according to the lawsuit, continued into 2021 with Perry allegedly sending Dixon photos of Dixon’s body from the set of “The Oval” with sexually suggestive comments. In June of that year, Dixon alleges, Perry invited him to his home to discuss a show that Dixon wanted to produce. He accused Perry of sexually assaulting him at that meeting.
In 2023, the lawsuit says, Dixon told Perry that he was moving away from Atlanta to California to put distance between them. Dixon’s lawsuit says he gave up a full payment of almost $400,000 when he left “The Oval” in its final season.
According to the complaint, Dixon “continued to put up with” Perry’s advances due to fear for his career.
The complaint also alleges that Dixon visited a doctor who told him he had suffered insomnia, stomach issues and levels of stress. He was supplied Zoloft to deal with the stress, according to the lawsuit.
Tyler Perry’s New Thriller Just Celebrated a Massive Achievement on Netflix
Tyler Perry’s new release, Straw, has just celebrated a major achievement.
Straw tells the emotionally gripping story of a single mother who has no help and has to help her daughter, who falls ill often. The thriller stars Taraji P. Henson in the leading role and has received praise from the audience, although the critics disagreed. After debuting at the top of the charts in its first weekend, Netflix has just revealed that Straw had achieved two major feats: the biggest week this year for a movie and the biggest week for a 2025 launch.
In its debut week for the week between June 2 and 8, the mystery thriller debuted in first place with 25.3 million views and 48.5 million hours viewed. Since the film premiered on June 6 on the streaming platforms, it only had three days to gather views. The initial numbers were more than thrilling and in line with most Netflix hits, which generally premiere with 30 million views, give or take.
However, Straw‘s impressive debut week only improved in its second week. For the week between June 9 and 15, Straw almost doubled its views. In the full seven days, the thriller attracted 48.9 million views and 88 million hours viewed. It continued to be in the Top 10 in 93 countries, and was the No. 1 film in more than half of them, topping the charts in 58 countries, including the U.S.
Straw is Perry’s second thriller of 2025 after Duplicity, which premiered in March on Prime Video, but it had even better views and appeal. The thriller-drama had low scores, as it didn’t receive enough reviews for a critics’ rating, but only 26% from the audience.
Straw also divided the critics and the audiences. Straw debuted with a 46% “rotten” score from the critics out of 13 reviews. As more critics watch the film, the thriller’s score slightly improved to 50%, which still isn’t enough for a “fresh” score. However, audiences enjoyed the film. Straw currently enjoys a 72% approval on the Popcornmeter, which, while it’s not an impressive score, is positive enough, especially when paired with its massive viewership numbers.
With all its success on Netflix, it was impossible for Straw not to attract the attention of other important charts. In its second week, Straw also became the third most-watched title on IMDb‘s Top 10.
**Additional Report from The Washington Post**
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Entertainment
Burna Boy Splashes $100,000 on 6uff, Odumodublvck at Lagos Club Night
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy turned heads over the weekend after reportedly spending $100,000 to support rising acts during a high-energy night at Bayrock Lifestyle in Lagos.
The early Sunday event saw standout performances from Odumodublvck and fast-rising act 6uff, as Burna Boy vibed enthusiastically alongside Phyno and Seyi Vibez.
The artists lit up the venue with their hit track “10 Minutes,” creating a charged atmosphere under neon lights and confetti.
Surprise Moment with Nasboi
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Burna Boy spotted comedian and singer Nasboi leaving the club. Calling him back, the Grammy-winning star praised his work, requested a quick performance, and gifted him a stack of $100 bills.
Nasboi later shared the moment online, expressing excitement and gratitude, saying he felt “on top of the world” after the unexpected encounter.
Artists React, Fans Weigh In
Following the event, Odumodublvck humorously remarked that the intense performance left him sleeping until 3 p.m., highlighting the demanding nature of the night.
Fans have since flooded social media with praise for Burna Boy’s generosity and support for fellow entertainers.
However, some critics argue the lavish spending could be part of a strategic rollout ahead of new music.
Industry Buzz
The club appearance has further fueled speculation about upcoming releases from Burna Boy, known for blending headline-making moments with music promotion.
Regardless of intent, the night reinforced his influence in the Nigerian entertainment scene and his willingness to spotlight emerging talent.
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Entertainment
Omah Lay Announces ‘Clarity of Mind’ World Tour, Set to Headline Wembley
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has officially unveiled his highly anticipated “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” marking a major milestone in his global career.
The tour comes on the back of his critically acclaimed second album Clarity of Mind, a project that has resonated widely for its introspective themes and Afro-fusion sound. The album made a strong impact internationally, topping Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with multiple tracks gaining traction across streaming platforms.
As part of the European leg, Omah Lay will perform in major cities including Brussels on November 6, Berlin on November 8, and Paris on November 13. The tour will culminate in a landmark headline show at OVO Arena Wembley, a 12,500-capacity venue in London—a significant achievement for the fast-rising star.
Tickets for all dates are scheduled to go on sale May 8 at 10 a.m. local time.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, viewing it as yet another indication of Afrobeats’ growing global dominance. Many also pointed to fellow Nigerian artist Young Jonn, who has similarly made waves internationally, highlighting a broader movement of African artists commanding major global stages.
With the “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” Omah Lay continues to cement his position as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling voices, bringing deeply personal storytelling and genre-blending sounds to an ever-expanding international audience.
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Entertainment
Tiwa Savage Reveals Musical Influences, Names Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido
Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the musical icons who have shaped her sound, revealing a blend of global and African influences.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats star disclosed that her music is inspired by a mix of legendary R&B and Afrobeats artists, including Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.
The revelation has sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans expressing surprise at her inclusion of fellow Afrobeats stars as part of her inspiration. While her admiration for Brandy—known for her smooth vocals and emotional delivery comes as no shock, her acknowledgment of Nigerian contemporaries has drawn particular attention.
Tiwa Savage is widely recognized for blending R&B elements with Afrobeats, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences both locally and globally. By drawing from artists across different genres and regions, she continues to position herself as one of Africa’s most versatile music stars.
Following her comments, social media platforms have been buzzing with mixed reactions. While some fans praised her openness and ability to evolve musically, others described the moment as a sign of unity within the Nigerian music industry.
Her latest statement further highlights her creative process and reinforces her status as a global Afrobeats icon, whose music continues to bridge cultures and genres.
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Entertainment
BNXN Slams Fat Joe Over “Buju” Claim, Sparks Global Afrobeats Debate
Nigerian Afrobeats star BNXN has responded to comments made by American rapper Fat Joe regarding the origins of his former stage name “Buju,” reigniting debate across the global music scene.
Speaking on the Joe and Jada podcast, Fat Joe claimed he once called out a “fake guy in Africa” for using the Buju name, suggesting that the criticism led BNXN born Daniel Etiese Benson—to eventually rebrand in 2022. The remarks quickly went viral, drawing backlash from fans and industry figures.
BNXN initially reacted strongly in a now-deleted post, accusing Fat Joe of spreading misinformation and showing “hate” toward African music. He later softened his stance, calling for mutual respect between artists across continents and emphasizing the need for better understanding of Afrobeats and its cultural roots.
The controversy has sparked wider conversations online, with Nigerian rapper Olamide and other artists publicly backing BNXN.
Supporters argue that the name “Buju” was never exclusively owned, pointing out its separate usage by Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, whose influence spans decades.
Fans have also weighed in with streaming comparisons, noting that BNXN’s catalog has, in some cases, outperformed Buju Banton’s on platforms like Spotify fueling debates about generational shifts and the global rise of Afrobeats.
BNXN adopted his new name in 2022 to establish a distinct identity while maintaining his artistic legacy. Despite the brief clash, his recent comments suggest a desire to move forward, focusing on music and cross-cultural collaboration rather than conflict.
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Entertainment
Blessing CEO Backtracks on ‘Stage 4 Cancer’ Claim Amid Fraud Allegations
Nigerian relationship expert Blessing CEO has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over her earlier claim that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
In a video shared online, Blessing admitted that her use of the term “stage 4” may have been a miscommunication, acknowledging that it caused confusion, concern, and public embarrassment. The claim had initially triggered sympathy from followers, leading to reported donations totaling about N13 million.
However, skepticism quickly grew as critics began questioning inconsistencies in her medical reports and referencing her history of past controversies. The situation escalated into allegations of possible fraud, with many demanding clarification and proof.
Responding to the backlash, Blessing stated that she never intended to mislead the public and expressed regret over how the information was presented. She also announced that she is willing to refund donors who feel misled.
To rebuild trust, she promised to release detailed medical evidence, including scan results and biopsy reports, to provide transparency about her health condition. She has since begun sharing hospital scan footage, which has continued to draw mixed reactions online.
While some supporters believe her apology is genuine and view the situation as a misunderstanding, others remain doubtful, insisting that full medical disclosure is necessary to resolve the controversy.
The incident has reignited conversations around accountability, online influence, and the responsibility public figures have when sharing sensitive personal information.
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