Full Breakdown
Tyler Perry Faces Second Sexual Assault Lawsuit from Actor Mario Rodriguez
12/27/2025, 3:52:28 AM
Allegations of Misconduct
Tyler Perry, the prominent filmmaker and actor, is facing a new lawsuit filed by Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared in the 2016 film *Boo! A Madea Halloween*. Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to multiple instances of sexual assault and unwanted advances over several years, primarily at Perry's Los Angeles home. The lawsuit, filed on December 25, 2025, seeks $77 million in damages and includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Rodriguez also names Lionsgate, the distributor of *Boo! A Madea Halloween*, alleging that the company ignored Perry's alleged misconduct.
Details of the Allegations
According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez was approached by a trainer at Equinox gym in Los Angeles in 2014, who informed him that Perry wanted to meet to discuss an acting role. Following this introduction, Rodriguez was cast in the film and subsequently invited to Perry's home, where he claims Perry made inappropriate physical advances. The complaint details several incidents, including one in 2018 where Perry allegedly "tightly hugged" Rodriguez and reached into his underwear to grab his genitals. Rodriguez claims that Perry offered him $5,000 after some of these encounters as a form of apology.
The lawsuit also recounts a 2019 incident where Perry allegedly placed Rodriguez's hand on his own genitals, further emphasizing the pattern of unwanted sexual advances. Rodriguez states that he decided to file the lawsuit after learning about similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon, who had previously accused Perry of sexual misconduct.
Response from Tyler Perry and Legal Representation
Perry has denied all allegations through his attorney, Alex Spiro, who characterized the lawsuit as a "failed money grab." Spiro noted that Rodriguez's attorney, Jonathan Delshad, had previously represented Dixon in a lawsuit against Perry, which was also dismissed as unfounded. Spiro stated, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.”
Context of Previous Allegations
Rodriguez's lawsuit follows a similar claim made by Derek Dixon, who sued Perry in June 2025 for $260 million, alleging sexual harassment and assault during his time working on Perry's television series *The Oval*. Dixon's case has since been moved from California state court to federal court in Georgia. Both Rodriguez and Dixon are represented by Delshad, who has expressed confidence in their cases and criticized Perry's legal team's dismissive statements.
What's Next
As both lawsuits are ongoing, Rodriguez has expressed a desire to hold Perry accountable for his actions and seeks a jury trial to determine the validity of his claims. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold as both parties prepare for court.
