Tyler Perry is facing new sexual assault accusations after an actor filed a $77 million lawsuit against him.
The actor, Mario Rodriguez, says he got his first major acting role in Boo! A Madea Halloween in 2016. He claims Perry reached out to him through a trainer at a Los Angeles Equinox gym. Rodriguez was later given a small role known as “Frat Guy #10.”
According to the lawsuit, Perry made promises of future acting opportunities. Rodriguez claims those promises were used to make unwanted sexual advances toward him.
The lawsuit says that in November 2018, Perry invited Rodriguez to dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills to talk about a role on The Oval. After dinner, they went to Perry’s home. Rodriguez alleges Perry hugged him tightly, tried to unbuckle his pants, and touched him sexually. He says he repeatedly told Perry to stop and had to physically pull away. Rodriguez claims Perry later apologized and gave him $5,000.
Rodriguez also alleges a second incident in April 2019. He claims Perry grabbed his hand and placed it on his private area. Perry allegedly told him to “let it happen” and said he would take care of him. After Rodriguez refused again, the lawsuit says Perry gave him another $5,000.
Despite these claims, Rodriguez continued acting and appeared on The Family Business in 2020 and 2021. He says Perry continued contacting him until 2024.
The lawsuit also claims Perry reached out after learning Rodriguez planned to take legal action and said he felt betrayed.
These allegations come after another actor, Derek Dixon, filed a separate $260 million lawsuit against Perry with similar claims. Both lawsuits are being handled by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad.
