Tyler Perry’s Lawyer Describes $77 Million Lawsuit as a ‘Money Grab’ Amid New Text Messages from Accuser and Star
Tyler Perry; Mario Rodriguez.
Credit :
Bennett Raglin/Getty; Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty
Aspiring Actor Files Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry
Mario Rodriguez, an aspiring actor, has filed a lawsuit in California against filmmaker Tyler Perry, alleging sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks $77 million in damages.
Rodriguez, who previously appeared in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, claims that he was subjected to sexual advances from Perry under the pretense of professional opportunities. In response to the lawsuit, Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, characterized the claims as "nothing but a 77 million dollar money grab scam" in a statement on December 29.
Newly revealed text messages reportedly show Perry assuring Rodriguez that he did not expect anything in return for their friendship, despite the allegations. In these texts, Rodriguez expressed gratitude to Perry, stating, “You got my Mexican ass out of a lot of bad places and I just wanna tell you thank you.”
Mario Rodriguez (third from right) in Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016).
Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate
In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges that Perry repeatedly invited him to his home under the guise of discussing potential work, only to make unwanted sexual advances. The claims outline a pattern of behavior in which Perry allegedly encouraged Rodriguez to "let it happen" and promised to take care of him. After two incidents, Perry reportedly apologized and handed Rodriguez $5,000 before sending him away.
A final alleged encounter in 2019 is described in the lawsuit as illuminating Perry’s disregard for consent, stating, “More than ever before, it was clear that Mr. Perry would do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, to whomever he wanted.”
Additionally, Rodriguez’s attorney Jonathan J. Delshad is the same lawyer who represented Derek Dixon, another actor who previously made similar allegations against Perry. Spiro has criticized the new lawsuit, suggesting it is part of a pattern of failed claims against Perry. However, Delshad has asserted that Dixon’s case is proceeding and has not failed.
In an Instagram video posted on December 13, Rodriguez explained that he had remained silent for too long, feeling remorse for not speaking up earlier. He stated, "I just wanna say I’m really sorry, man. Because if I would’ve spoken up sooner I could’ve saved somebody that this probably happened to after me."
As the legal proceedings unfold, implications for both parties may extend beyond the courtroom, drawing public attention to the broader issues surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Tyler Perry in 2024.
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