Tyler Perry faces another sexual assault lawsuit, this time from actor Mario Rodriguez, who is seeking $77 million in damages. Rodriguez, known for his role in Perry’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed the suit in California on Thursday against Perry and Lionsgate Films. He alleges Perry sexually assaulted him multiple times between 2018 and 2019.
According to legal documents, Rodriguez claims Perry made an unwanted sexual advance during a 2018 dinner meeting at a Beverly Hills steakhouse to discuss a role in Perry’s series “The Oval.” Afterward, at Perry’s home, Rodriguez alleges Perry hugged him tightly, reached into his underwear, and touched his genitals while making sexual noises. Rodriguez says Perry later apologized and gave him $5,000. A second incident in 2019 allegedly involved Perry grabbing Rodriguez’s hand and placing it on his groin while promising financial support in exchange for intimacy. Rodriguez claims he refused and received another $5,000 payment.
The lawsuit also accuses Lionsgate of being aware of Perry’s alleged misconduct but continuing to fund his projects regardless. Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the suit as a “failed money grab” by the same lawyer behind a previous unsuccessful claim against Perry. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This follows a June lawsuit in which actor Derek Dixon accused Perry of sexual harassment and assault, seeking $260 million. Dixon alleges Perry sent him explicit messages and groped him in bed after a 2020 event. Perry’s legal team called those accusations fraudulent, stating Dixon attempted to exploit their relationship. Dixon later reiterated his claims in an interview, insisting Perry persisted despite his rejections. Both cases remain ongoing.