Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry is facing a second lawsuit alleging sexual assault, filed just months after a similar case was brought against him. The latest complaint comes from model-turned-actor Mario Rodriguez, who had a minor role in Perry's 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween.
Details of the Allegations
According to legal documents viewed by the Daily Mail, Rodriguez claims that Perry, 56, groped him without consent and subjected him to unwanted sexual advances. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred over several years following their initial meeting in 2015.
Rodriguez states he was approached at a Los Angeles gym by a trainer who said Perry wanted to speak with him. After a phone conversation, Perry gave him the role of Frat Guy #10 in the Madea film. Rodriguez's lawsuit claims that Perry subsequently invited him to his home multiple times to discuss potential work projects.
In one alleged incident in 2015, Perry is said to have rubbed Rodriguez's shoulders and chest while making 'sexual grunting noises'. A more serious allegation stems from November 2018, when Perry allegedly grabbed Rodriguez's penis despite repeated requests to stop, forcing Rodriguez to physically struggle to get away.
Rodriguez claims Perry told him to 'let it happen' and pleaded, 'If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.' Following two unwelcome advances, Perry allegedly apologised, gave Rodriguez $5,000, and dismissed him.
Legal Battle and Denials
Rodriguez filed his lawsuit in California on Thursday, also naming Lionsgate Films as a defendant. He is reportedly seeking a $77 million judgment. This case follows a separate lawsuit filed earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon, who made similar accusations of 'escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery'.
Perry has vehemently denied all allegations through his attorney, Alex Spiro. In a statement, Spiro characterised Rodriguez's claims as a 'money grab', noting that the same lawyer had recently failed in another matter against Perry. 'This will also be a failed money grab,' Spiro told the Daily Mail.
Jonathan J. Delshad, attorney for both Rodriguez and Dixon, countered that Dixon's lawsuit was 'alive and well', having merely been moved from California to Georgia courts.
Broader Context and Aftermath
Rodriguez alleges that after refusing Perry's advances, he never received another acting role from the filmmaker. He claims Perry continued to contact him via text message as recently as 2024, even after learning of the impending lawsuit. In these messages, Perry allegedly said he felt 'betrayed' after having done 'so much to help Rodriguez'.
In an Instagram video on 13 December, Rodriguez alluded to being assaulted by a 'very big director' and said fear had kept him silent. He apologised to fans for not speaking out sooner.
Tyler Perry, who built a media empire from his Madea character and now runs one of the largest film studios in the US, Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, faces significant reputational damage from these consecutive lawsuits. The studio has hosted major productions including Marvel's Black Panther and TV's The Walking Dead.
The Daily Mail has approached representatives for Rodriguez and Lionsgate for comment but has not yet received a response.
