Actor Alleges Decade-Long Pattern of Unwanted Advances
Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry is now the subject of a high-stakes sexual assault lawsuit filed by Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween. Rodriguez’s complaint, filed in California, accuses Perry of making persistent unwanted advances over several years, including alleged incidents of sexual battery and assault at the director’s Los Angeles residence. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages and has also included film distributor Lionsgate as a co-defendant.
The lawsuit recounts interactions that began after Rodriguez was encouraged to audition for the film, only for professional conversations to allegedly turn inappropriate. According to the complaint, Perry’s conduct extended beyond industry discussions and included alleged physical contact that Rodriguez says caused emotional and professional harm.
📍 Details of the Complaint: Unwanted Contact and Cash Transfers
Rodriguez’s filing outlines multiple claimed encounters spanning from 2014 through 2019. Some incidents reportedly occurred at Perry’s home, where the actor alleges unwanted touching and physical advances took place. In several instances, the complaint asserts that Perry offered him money — including about $5,000 — following interactions Rodriguez describes as unwelcome. These alleged actions form the basis of claims for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit also asserts that Lionsgate, the studio that distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, ignored warning signs and failed to address or prevent the alleged misconduct.
⚖️ Legal Pushback and Broader Context
Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly rejected the lawsuit, with attorneys labeling it a “failed money grab” rooted in old allegations rather than factual wrongdoing. The defense stresses that similar claims have been previously dismissed and insists that this latest suit lacks merit.
This latest complaint follows another high-profile lawsuit earlier in 2025 from actor Derek Dixon, who made similar allegations connected with Perry’s television productions. Both cases, though civil in nature, highlight ongoing discussions about power dynamics and accountability within the entertainment industry.
