Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault, marking the second such legal action brought against him in recent months by an actor who previously worked on one of his productions.
The lawsuit was filed in California by Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween. Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years, beginning in 2014. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages and has also named Lionsgate, the distributor of the film, as a co-defendant, accusing the studio of failing to intervene or act on alleged misconduct.
Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Allegations Outlined in the Lawsuit
According to the complaint, Rodriguez first came into contact with Perry after being approached by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles, who allegedly said Perry wanted his contact information to discuss a potential acting opportunity.
Rodriguez claims that after initial communications, Perry encouraged him to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, allegedly telling him, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”
The lawsuit further alleges that after Rodriguez was cast in the film, he was invited to Perry’s home, where Perry allegedly made unwanted physical advances while the two were watching a movie. The complaint details additional alleged encounters between 2016 and 2019, including incidents in which Perry is accused of attempting to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and, in another instance, placing Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals.
Rodriguez also claims that Perry gave him sums of money — reportedly $5,000 on multiple occasions — following these encounters, which the lawsuit characterizes as attempts to maintain influence or silence.
Broader Pattern Alleged
According to the complaint, Rodriguez ultimately decided to pursue legal action after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon, who filed a separate lawsuit against Perry earlier this year.
Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s television series The Oval and Ruthless, has accused the filmmaker of groping him while he worked on the shows. That lawsuit, originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has since been transferred to federal court in Georgia, where Tyler Perry Studios is headquartered.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Response from Perry’s Legal Team
In a statement responding to the allegations, Tyler Perry’s attorney strongly denied all claims, describing them as false and without merit. No further details were provided at the time.
Legal Context
At this stage, the allegations remain unproven. No court findings have been made, and no criminal charges have been announced in connection with either lawsuit. Both cases are currently at the civil litigation stage, where the plaintiffs must substantiate their claims through evidence and testimony.
As with all civil complaints, the allegations represent the plaintiffs’ version of events, and the defendants are legally presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
