Tyler Perry is currently embroiled in a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault, with model and actor Mario Rodriguez seeking $77 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on December 25 in California, accuses Perry of groping Rodriguez without consent and subjecting him to repeated unwanted sexual advances.
Perry, 56, has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as an attempt to extort money. His attorney, Alex Spiro, stated that the claims were a failed money grab by the lawyer representing Rodriguez, Jonathan J. Delshad. Delshad also represents actor Derek Dixon in a separate lawsuit against Perry, which has been transferred from California to Georgia.
In the latest lawsuit, Rodriguez also names Lionsgate Films as a defendant. He alleges that his interactions with Perry began in 2015 when he was approached by a trainer at a Los Angeles gym who connected him with Perry. Rodriguez was subsequently cast in a minor role in Perry’s film “Boo! A Madea Halloween” and claims that Perry invited him to his home multiple times for discussions about potential work opportunities.
According to court filings, Rodriguez recounts instances of alleged sexual advances by Perry, including an incident in 2015 where Perry made inappropriate comments and touched him inappropriately. The lawsuit also describes an incident in November 2018 where Perry allegedly grabbed Rodriguez’s private parts despite his protests.
Rodriguez claims that Perry continued to contact him until 2024, even after the alleged assaults took place. In an Instagram video posted on December 13, Rodriguez hinted at being sexually assaulted by a “very big director” and urged his followers to stay tuned for more details.
The lawsuit adds to the legal troubles facing Perry, who has previously denied similar allegations by Dixon. The filmmaker maintains his innocence and is prepared to defend himself against these claims in court.
