Tyler Perry is facing a second sexual assault lawsuit, with actor Mario Rodriguez seeking $77m in damages. The lawsuit alleges that the billionaire film-maker used his Hollywood influence to make repeated unwanted sexual advances after offering Rodriguez a role in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween.
The complaint claims Perry subjected Rodriguez to sexual battery and assault at his Los Angeles home, and that film studio Lionsgate ignored the misconduct. Incidents are alleged to have occurred in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including an encounter in which Perry allegedly touched Rodriguez inappropriately while watching a movie.
Rodriguez says he was approached by a trainer in 2014 who said Perry wanted his number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged him to audition, telling him: “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.” The lawsuit also claims Perry told Rodriguez: “Man, if you would just come, I would take care of you for the rest of your life.”
Perry's attorney, Alex Spiro, denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “failed money grab”. Spiro noted that both Rodriguez and the plaintiff in an earlier lawsuit against Perry share the same lawyer, Jonathan Delshad. Delshad disputed that characterisation, saying the earlier case remains active after being moved from California to Georgia.
