Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor Mario Rodriguez
Tyler Perry is facing a new sexual assault lawsuit. Actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016), filed the case in California state court.
Rodriguez alleges that Perry made unwanted sexual advances and assaulted him on multiple occasions. He is seeking $77 million in damages. Perry’s lawyers have denied the claims, calling the lawsuit a “money grab.”
Allegations Against Tyler Perry
According to the lawsuit, Mario Rodriguez was approached in 2015 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles, who said Perry wanted to meet him. Perry allegedly contacted Rodriguez by phone and offered him a minor role in Boo! A Madea Halloween, in which Rodriguez played “Frat Guy #10.”
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The complaint claims that Perry repeatedly invited Rodriguez to his Los Angeles home under the pretense of discussing acting opportunities. During these visits, Perry allegedly made sexual advances while drinking, including an incident in November 2018 where he “grabbed [Rodriguez’s] penis” despite repeated refusals. Perry allegedly said, “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.”
Rodriguez claims that Perry handed him $5,000 after the incidents and apologized. However, the lawsuit states that the filmmaker continued to contact Rodriguez sporadically through 2024, and reached out again after learning about the impending lawsuit, claiming he felt “betrayed.”
Public Statement by Mario Rodriguez
In a December 13 Instagram video, Rodriguez shared his feelings of fear and shame, explaining why he had not come forward sooner. He spoke to nearly one million followers about the importance of speaking up, saying, “I stayed quiet for much too long…if I would’ve spoken up sooner I could’ve saved somebody that this probably happened to after me.”
Legal Claims in the Lawsuit
Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, he filed a claim against Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging that the company turned a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct. The lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages.
Tyler Perry’s Response
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has publicly denied the allegations. “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.
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Earlier in 2025, Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s series The Oval and Ruthless, filed a $260 million lawsuit claiming sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. Perry’s legal team has consistently characterized these lawsuits as fabricated attempts at financial gain.
Context of Allegations in Hollywood
This latest lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about abuse of power in Hollywood, where aspiring actors may be vulnerable to exploitation by influential figures. Multiple male actors have now come forward with allegations against Tyler Perry, claiming he leveraged his position to pursue sexual relationships under the pretense of career opportunities.
Legal experts note that lawsuits of this nature can take years to resolve, and the relocation of Derek Dixon’s case from California to Georgia indicates the complexity and jurisdictional challenges involved.Actor Mario Rodriguez sues Tyler Perry for sexual assault over multiple incidents, seeking $77 million in damages from the Madea filmmaker.
Conclusion
Mario Rodriguez’s lawsuit against Tyler Perry adds to growing allegations against the filmmaker regarding sexual misconduct toward male actors in Hollywood. Perry has denied all accusations, and his lawyers maintain that these cases are financially motivated. The legal proceedings are expected to continue into 2026, as courts evaluate both Rodriguez’s claims and Perry’s defenses.
