Derek Dixon, most recognized for portraying Dale in Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval, has addressed the public for the first time since initiating a $260 million lawsuit against the renowned media figure. He describes the decision as “terrifying” but sees it as a necessary step.

In an email interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dixon said he felt compelled to act. “I couldn’t just let him get away with this,” he said.

“Everyone should be able to work without facing unwanted sexual advances from their employer,” he added. “My aim is to help ensure future actors and creatives won’t have to choose between pursuing their passion and maintaining their self-respect.”

On June 13, Dixon lodged the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Perry of establishing “a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” during his employment. The lawsuit claims Perry initially offered Dixon creative opportunities—such as aiding in the production of Dixon’s pilot and casting him in various shows—but allegedly subjected him to increasing harassment, assault, and retaliation when Dixon refused those advances.

The filing includes disturbing allegations, including that Perry “pinned Dixon against the wall of Perry’s trailer and aggressively groped Dixon’s buttocks in a sexual motion,” along with multiple alleged assaults at Perry’s home.

Dixon is suing for sexual harassment (quid pro quo), sexual battery, sexual assault, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. He is requesting a jury trial and $260 million in damages.

Perry’s legal team has denied the allegations. Attorney Matthew Boyd released a statement to People, reiterating the initial response: “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.”

Dixon, meanwhile, says the fallout has already been severe. “This is why people, especially men, don’t come forward,” he told THR. “I was too afraid to come forward. I knew it would be awful. And I was right.”

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

Dixon admitted he tried to convince himself that this kind of behavior was “part of the industry,” but ultimately, “I couldn’t stay silent anymore.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org.