According to TMZ, filmmaker Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual assault by Mario Rodriguez, an actor with a small role in Boo! A Madea Halloween. Rodriguez claims Perry made repeated unwanted sexual advances and is seeking $77 million in damages from Perry and the film’s distributor, Lionsgate. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, in a California state court.
Rodriguez says he met Perry in 2014 after a gym trainer connected them about acting opportunities. He alleges Perry encouraged him to audition for the film despite him having no acting experience – inviting him to his Los Angeles home, where Rodriguez claims Perry made inappropriate physical contact and sexual propositions.
The alleged behavior reportedly continued after filming, including a 2018 incident following dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse, where Rodriguez says Perry attempted to unbuckle his pants and touch him. After Rodriguez refused, he claims Perry apologized and gave him $5K. Another incident took place that same year, where Rodriguez alleges Perry placed his hand on his own genitals and offered financial incentives for sexual compliance, giving him $5K after Rodriguez refused.
Tyler Perry has denied the allegations. His attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the lawsuit as baseless, telling TMZ:
“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.”
This is not the first time Perry has faced sexual harassment claims. In June, The Oval actor Derek Dixon sued him for quid pro quo, workplace harassment, and sexual assault, alleging years of harassment.
