You know how Hollywood power dynamics can be ruthless. A new sexual assault lawsuit just dropped against Tyler Perry — claims his legal team is already pushing back hard.
Model and actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared briefly in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed suit accusing the entertainment mogul of sexual assault, unwanted advances, and dangling career opportunities as bait. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages. The Tyler Perry camp isn’t having it.
According to court documents, Rodriguez says a trainer at an LA gym introduced them in 2015. Perry allegedly reached out directly afterward, offering a small role in the Madea film. That part checks out — he got cast as “Frat Guy #10.” But things got complicated after that.
Rodriguez claims Perry kept inviting him to his home, supposedly to talk career moves. The lawsuit says Perry allegedly made sexual advances while drinking, including one incident in November 2018 when Rodriguez says Perry grabbed his crotch without consent. Rodriguez claims he had to physically fight back to get away. He also says Perry essentially offered a quid pro quo: “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.”
After two alleged encounters, Rodriguez says Perry apologized and handed over $5,000 before sending him away. Then came April 2019 — Rodriguez describes that as the worst moment, claiming Perry had zero regard for consent. Even after all of that, Rodriguez says Perry kept texting him through 2024, and when he heard about the lawsuit, he reached out again, apologizing for feeling betrayed and reminding Rodriguez of past support.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, is also representing Derek Dixon, who filed a separate $260 million lawsuit against Perry earlier this year over similar allegations — sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. Perry’s team denied Dixon’s claims too.
Alex Spiro, Perry’s attorney, slammed the new lawsuit: “This is a failed money grab from ten-plus years ago.” Other lawyers from Perry’s camp have said they won’t be “shaken down.” You know how these messy Hollywood legal battles go.
Rodriguez posted a video on December 13, looking visibly emotional, telling followers he was “scared and ashamed” for years and apologizing for staying quiet. He didn’t name Perry directly, but he referenced a powerful, well-known director.
Both cases are ongoing, and Perry continues to deny everything. The conversation on power, consent, and accountability in entertainment isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
