Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry sued over another sexual assault claims, seeks $77 million

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is facing renewed controversy after actor Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court accusing the media mogul of repeated sexual assault and misconduct over several years. Perry has denied the allegations through his legal team.

Rodriguez, an aspiring actor who appeared as “Frat Guy 10” in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween , has detailed his background and experiences in the complaint. He describes himself as a young performer trying to break into the entertainment industry, pursuing acting opportunities while working in fitness and modelling circles. According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez believed even small roles could help him build a career in Hollywood.

The complaint states that Rodriguez’s interaction with Perry began around 2014, when he was informed that Perry wanted to meet him to discuss potential acting opportunities. Rodriguez alleges that Perry initially presented himself as supportive, encouraging him to audition and suggesting that maintaining contact could help his career. Rodriguez claims he viewed the relationship as a professional opportunity rather than a personal one.

The lawsuit alleges that what appeared to be mentorship later became a pattern of unwanted sexual advances. Rodriguez claims that between 2015 and 2019, Perry repeatedly invited him to private settings, including his Los Angeles home, under the pretext of discussing work or watching films. The complaint describes several alleged incidents in which Perry touched Rodriguez inappropriately, including placing a hand on his leg, attempting to unbuckle his pants, and, on one occasion, placing Rodriguez’s hand on Perry’s genitals.

One of the most serious allegations involves a 2018 incident in which Rodriguez claims Perry tightly hugged him and grabbed his penis despite his discomfort. Rodriguez alleges that he felt intimidated and feared that clearly rejecting Perry could harm his chances in the industry due to Perry’s influence and power. The lawsuit states that these experiences caused emotional distress and anxiety.

Rodriguez claims he cut off contact with Perry in 2019 in an effort to move forward, though Perry allegedly continued to contact him intermittently afterward. The complaint further alleges that when Perry learned Rodriguez intended to file the lawsuit, he reached out again, expressing feelings of betrayal and reminding Rodriguez of the help he had previously provided.

According to the filing, Rodriguez decided to come forward after reading about similar allegations made earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon, who accused Perry of sexual harassment and assault related to a television production. Rodriguez says those reports made him realise his experience was not isolated and motivated him to seek accountability.

In addition to Perry, Rodriguez has named Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween , alleging the company failed to address or prevent Perry’s alleged behaviour. He is seeking at least USD 77 million in damages for sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Perry’s attorney has dismissed the allegations as false and financially motivated. Rodriguez’s lawyer, however, says the case is supported by text messages and other communications and that his client is determined to tell his story in court.