A former actor has filed a $77-million sexual assault suit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, claiming years of unwanted advances and abuse.
The lawsuit
Mario Rodriguez filed the complaint on Thursday in California, alleging that Perry repeatedly subjected him to unwanted sexual advances over several years, including sexual battery and assault at Perry's Los Angeles home. The suit also names Lionsgate, the distributor of the 2016 film "Boo! A Madea Halloween," accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to the alleged misconduct.
Allegations of initial contact
According to the complaint, Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles who said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for "Boo! A Madea Halloween," telling him, "I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner," the lawsuit claims.
Inappropriate encounters at Perry's home
After Rodriguez was cast, the lawsuit says he was invited to Perry's home, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately while they watched a movie. The complaint describes additional alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including one encounter in which Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez's pants and another in which Perry placed Rodriguez's hand on his genitals.
Monetary compensation and repeated violations
The complaint states that following these encounters, Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions. Rodriguez says he resisted the advances and ultimately decided to file suit after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon.
Lionsgate's silence
Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The studio's lack of comment has been noted by the lawsuit, which accuses it of ignoring the allegations.
Perry's legal defense
In a statement, Perry's lawyer denied the allegations. The defense maintains that the claims are unfounded and that Perry has no history of misconduct.
Connection to Derek Dixon lawsuit
Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging the filmmaker groped him while Dixon worked on Perry's television series "The Oval" and "Ruthless." That lawsuit, originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has reportedly since been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry's studio is based.
Legal claims and broader context
Rodriguez's lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Tyler Perry is also facing a separate $260-million lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment and assault. The Hollywood mogul has denied Dixon's claims that Perry engaged in alleged misconduct and retaliation against him before and during Dixon's time on Perry's shows "Ruthless" and "The Oval."
Key Takeaways
- Mario Rodriguez alleges repeated sexual advances and assault by Tyler Perry, seeking $77 million in damages.
- The lawsuit names Lionsgate for allegedly ignoring the misconduct.
- Similar allegations were made by actor Derek Dixon, whose suit was moved to federal court in Georgia.
The case adds to a growing list of accusations against Perry, highlighting concerns about power dynamics in Hollywood and the challenges actors face when confronting alleged misconduct by influential figures.
