Tyler Perry faces lawsuit after alleged assault claim from performer.
Tyler Perry has been sued by actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” The lawsuit was filed Thursday in California and alleges that Perry repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances against Rodriguez over several years, including incidents at Perry’s Los Angeles residence. Rodriguez seeks at least $77 million in damages and also claims that Lionsgate, the distributor of the film, ignored the alleged misconduct.
Rodriguez’s complaint states that a trainer at an Equinox gym in 2014 alerted him that Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry encouraged Rodriguez to audition for the film and reportedly invited him to his home, where he allegedly touched Rodriguez inappropriately while watching a movie. Additional incidents are cited for 2016, 2018, and 2019, including attempted unbuckling of Rodriguez’s pants and an alleged hand placement on Perry’s genitals. Perry reportedly provided $5,000 to Rodriguez at multiple times.
The actor says he resisted the advances and decided to sue after learning of similar accusations made by actor Derek Dixon. Dixon filed a separate lawsuit in June, alleging physical misconduct while working on Perry’s television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” The original case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court but has reportedly been moved to federal court in Georgia where Perry’s studio is based. Perry’s lawyer has denied the allegations.