Actor Sues Tyler Perry for $77 Million Over Alleged Sexual Assault

In a significant legal development, actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, claiming $77 million in damages for alleged sexual assault. This lawsuit, lodged in California, marks the second instance in recent months where Perry has faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

Details of the Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry

Rodriguez, who appeared in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” accuses Perry of making repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years. The complaint outlines several concerning incidents that Rodriguez alleges took place at Perry’s home in Los Angeles. The allegations include sexual battery and assault.

Allegations and Incidents

The lawsuit describes a troubling pattern of conduct. According to Rodriguez, he was first contacted in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym. The trainer communicated that Tyler Perry wanted to reach out regarding a potential acting role. Following this, Perry encouraged him to audition for “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” stating, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”

Once cast, Rodriguez reports being invited to Perry’s residence, where inappropriate touching allegedly occurred during a movie event. Additional incidents reportedly took place in 2016, 2018, and 2019, including instances where Perry attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and forced Rodriguez to place his hand on Perry’s genitals.

Compensation and Response

The complaint states that Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 multiple times following these encounters. Rodriguez asserts that he resisted the advances and decided to proceed with the lawsuit after learning of similar allegations from fellow actor Derek Dixon.

• Dixon’s lawsuit alleges that Perry groped him while he worked on Perry’s series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.”
• This previous lawsuit has been moved from Los Angeles Superior Court to federal court in Georgia.

Perry’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations outlined in Rodriguez’s lawsuit. The suit also names Lionsgate, which distributed “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” accusing the studio of negligence by ignoring Perry’s purported misconduct.

Conclusion

The unfolding legal battles place Tyler Perry under scrutiny, further complicating his prominence in Hollywood. As these cases advance, they highlight ongoing issues of power dynamics and accountability within the entertainment industry.