Tyler Perry Faces Another Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Tyler Perry, the renowned filmmaker and actor, is once again in the spotlight as he faces a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault. The accuser, Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s 2016 movie “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court claiming that Perry assaulted him on multiple occasions at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
According to the complaint, Rodriguez alleges that Perry made unwanted sexual advances towards him, including a disturbing incident in 2018 where Perry allegedly “tightly hugged” him and “grabbed his penis.” Rodriguez, who played “Frat Guy #10” in the movie, is suing Perry for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is also bringing a claim against Lionsgate, the distributor of the film, for allegedly turning a blind eye to Perry’s actions. Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages.
The lawsuit details a harrowing incident that allegedly took place in Perry’s home screening room a few months after Rodriguez and Perry met in 2015. “Mr. Perry then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez’s leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis. Mr. Perry told Mr. Rodriguez ‘It’s ok,’ while he continued to rub his thigh,” the complaint states.
Rodriguez claims that he and Perry ended contact in 2019, but Perry would occasionally reach out to him thereafter. The decision to bring the lawsuit against Perry was motivated by reports of another lawsuit earlier this year by Derek Dixon, an actor on Perry’s BET series “The Oval,” who accused Perry of sexual harassment and assault.
In response to Rodriguez’s lawsuit, Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, dismissed the claims as a “failed money grab,” referencing a previous lawsuit against Perry filed by Dixon in June. Dixon alleged that Perry grabbed his buttocks while intoxicated and made repeated sexual comments and advances over several years. Dixon is seeking at least $260 million in punitive damages.
Jonathan Delshad, the attorney representing Rodriguez and Dixon, highlighted text messages exchanged between Rodriguez and Perry as evidence supporting his clients’ claims. Delshad expressed his client’s determination to hold Perry accountable and seek justice through the legal process.
The new complaint emphasizes Rodriguez’s decision to speak out against Perry’s alleged abuse of power and influence. It states, “Mr. Rodriguez realized that Mr. Perry was continuing to use his power and influence to sexually assault hopeful actors and, with the voice of others, decided that it was time to tell his story, to obtain justice, and to finally stop Mr. Perry.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will ultimately lie in the hands of a jury to determine the truth behind the allegations against Tyler Perry.
