Tyler Perry is facing a new sexual assault lawsuit from an aspiring actor, allegations his legal team strongly disputes and characterizes as a “money grab.”
Mario Rodriguez, a model and actor who appeared briefly in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed the lawsuit seeking $77 million in damages.
Rodriguez alleges Perry made repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years while suggesting future acting opportunities.
Rodriguez is represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who also represents Derek Dixon, another actor who accused Perry earlier this year of sexual misconduct.
Dixon, who appeared on Perry’s BET series “The Oval,” filed a separate $260 million lawsuit in June alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation.
Related: Tyler Perry Sued For $260 Million By ‘The Oval’ Actor Derek Dixon
Tyler Perry has denied all allegations in both cases.
What Mario Rodriguez Alleges
According to the complaint obtained by People, Mario Rodriguez claims that in 2015, he was approached at a Los Angeles gym by a trainer who said Perry wanted to meet him.
After speaking by phone, Rodriguez alleges Perry offered him a small role in Boo! A Madea Halloween, where he appeared as “Frat Guy #10.”
The lawsuit claims Tyle Perry later invited Rodriguez to his home multiple times under the pretense of discussing future work.
During those visits, Rodriguez alleges Perry made sexual advances while drinking.
One alleged incident in November 2018 claims Perry grabbed him despite repeated objections, forcing Rodriguez to physically struggle to get away.
The complaint further alleges Perry made comments such as “let it happen” and suggested that being with him would lead to being “taken care of.”
After two alleged incidents, Mario Rodriguez claims Tyler Perry apologized, gave him $5,000, and sent him away.
A final alleged encounter in April 2019, according to the lawsuit, left Rodriguez feeling that Perry would “do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, to whomever he wanted,” regardless of rejection.
Mario Rodriguez also alleges Tyler Perry continued to contact him sporadically through 2024.
The lawsuit claims that once Perry learned Rodriguez planned to file legal action, Perry sent a text message saying he had done “so much” for Rodriguez and felt betrayed.
Perry’s Legal Team Responds
Alex Spiro, an attorney for Tyler Perry, issued a statement on December 26 denying the allegations and criticizing the timing and representation behind the lawsuit.
“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro said.
Delshad pushed back on that characterization, stating that Dixon’s claims have not failed but were instead moved from California to Georgia, where they are still pending.
Earlier this year, another of Perry’s attorneys, Matthew Boyd, described Dixon as someone who allegedly sought proximity to Perry to orchestrate what he called a scam.
Boyd stated at the time that Perry would not be “shaken down” and that the claims were fabricated.
Mario Rodriguez Speaks Out
On December 13, Mario Rodriguez posted an emotional Instagram video explaining why he waited years to come forward.
While he did not name Tyler Perry directly, he referenced a “powerful” and widely known director.
Rodriguez said he felt scared and ashamed and expressed regret for not speaking out sooner.
He told his nearly one million followers that he believes earlier action could have prevented others from experiencing similar situations.
“I stayed quiet for much too long,” he said, adding that he is now choosing to speak publicly despite the fear involved.
What Happens Next
Tyler Perry has consistently denied all allegations made against him.
Both lawsuits remain ongoing, with legal proceedings expected to continue in Georgia.
As the cases move forward, the claims and defenses will be tested in court.
Until then, the allegations remain unproven, and Perry maintains his innocence.
For now, this is a developing legal battle with serious implications, and likely far more courtroom drama than any scripted series.
I wonder if Christian Keys regrets taking it to social media rather than a courthouse…
Related: Christian Keyes Reveals He Was Sexually Harassed For Years By A Powerful Man
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