Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Battery by Actor From Boo! A Madea Halloween
Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit that alleges sexual assault and sexual battery by an actor who appeared in Boo! A Madea Halloween.
The lawsuit was filed Thursday in California state court by actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years, primarily at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
Perry has strongly denied the allegations.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, Rodriguez says the alleged misconduct began after a gym trainer at an Equinox location in Los Angeles approached him in 2014 and said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting opportunity.
Rodriguez claims Perry later called him and encouraged him to audition for Boo! A Madea Halloween, allegedly saying that he was someone worth having “in your corner.”
After Rodriguez accepted the role, the lawsuit claims he was invited to Perry’s home, where the filmmaker allegedly touched his inner thigh near his genitals while the two were watching a movie. Rodriguez says he attempted to remove himself from the situation, but Perry persisted with suggestive comments, including promises of career support.
Claims Span Several Years
The lawsuit alleges additional incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Rodriguez claims that after filming wrapped, Perry continued to suggest future roles and scripts, but meetings at Perry’s home allegedly included further unwanted physical contact.
One of the most serious allegations involves a 2018 meeting following dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, where Rodriguez claims Perry tightly hugged him, attempted to unbuckle his pants, and grabbed his genitals.
The complaint also alleges that Perry later gave Rodriguez $5,000 after the incident, which the actor describes as hush money. Rodriguez claims similar conduct occurred again in 2019, followed by another $5,000 payment after he rejected Perry’s alleged advances.
Legal Claims and Damages Sought
Rodriguez is suing Perry for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
He is also suing Lionsgate, which distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging the company turned a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct.
Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages.
Perry’s Lawyer Denies Allegations
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a firm denial in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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,” Spiro said.
Perry has not commented publicly beyond the statement from his legal team.
Second Lawsuit Raises Broader Questions
This is the second lawsuit accusing Perry of abusing his power in Hollywood.
In June, actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s TV series The Oval and Ruthless, filed a separate lawsuit alleging Perry pinned him against a wall and groped him.
Dixon’s case, initially filed in California, has since been moved to federal court in Georgia.
Rodriguez says learning about Dixon’s allegations prompted him to come forward, claiming he realized the alleged behavior was not isolated.
Case Still in Early Stages
It is important to note that all allegations remain claims in civil court and have not been proven. Perry denies wrongdoing, and no court has ruled on the merits of either lawsuit.
As the cases move forward, they are likely to place renewed scrutiny on power dynamics in Hollywood and how allegations against influential figures are handled.
For now, Tyler Perry faces serious accusations and an escalating legal battle that could have major implications for his legacy and business empire.