Tyler Perry Faces New $77 Million Lawsuit From Actor Mario Rodriguez

Tyler Perry is facing a new civil lawsuit in California from actor and model Mario Rodriguez, who is seeking at least $77 million and alleges Perry subjected him to unwanted sexual advances that escalated into sexual assault and sexual battery over several years. Rodriguez, who appeared in a small role in the 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed the complaint in California, and also named Lionsgate, the film’s distributor, alleging the company ignored or failed to address Perry’s alleged behavior.

The allegations described in reporting center on a period from 2014 to 2019, including claims that some incidents occurred at Perry’s Los Angeles home. In addition to sexual assault and sexual battery, the lawsuit includes claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the Associated Press.

Perry has denied the allegations through his attorney, Alex Spiro, who has publicly characterized the case as a “$77 million money grab scam.” Lionsgate had not publicly commented in initial reports.

The case gained additional attention after newly surfaced text messages, obtained and reported by the Associated Press, showed Rodriguez continued communicating with Perry after the timeframe in which Rodriguez alleges he cut off contact. Those messages include notes expressing gratitude and friendship and references to financial and personal struggles, extending into late 2024 and 2025, according to AP’s reporting.

Rodriguez responded publicly by saying continued contact can happen in abusive dynamics because of fear, dependence, and the power imbalance he says he experienced.

The lawsuit arrives as Perry faces heightened scrutiny in the wake of a separate sexual misconduct lawsuit filed earlier by another actor, though Rodriguez’s case is its own filing with its own timeline and claims. Perry has denied the allegations in both matters, and no court has ruled on Rodriguez’s claims at this stage.

As with any civil complaint, the allegations will be tested through formal legal responses, potential motions, and if the case advances discovery, testimony, and evidence. For now, Rodriguez’s lawsuit represents a significant new legal challenge for one of the most influential figures in Black entertainment, and the next steps will hinge on how Perry’s team responds in court and what documentation ultimately becomes part of the public record.