Tyler Perry faces new sexual assault lawsuit
Tyler Perry is facing allegations of sexual assault from a new accuser, an actor who worked on the 2016 movie, Boo! A Madea Halloween.
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Mario Rodriguez alleges that Perry assaulted him multiple times over several years at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
Perry allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward Rodriguez; in 2018, Perry reportedly “tightly hugged” him and “grabbed his penis.”
The complaint also described another incident, which took place a few months after they met in 2015: “Mr. Perry then put his hand on Mr. Rodriguez’s leg and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis. Mr. Perry told Mr. Rodriguez ‘It’s ok,’ while he continued to rub his thigh.”
Rodriguez is therefore suing for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He has also submitted a claim against Lionsgate, the distributor behind Boo! A Madea Halloween, for ignoring Perry’s worrying actions. Rodriguez is seeking at least $77million.
In response to Rodriguez’s suit, Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Perry, shared with Variety, “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.”
This statement made reference to another allegation which came to light in June. Actor Derek Dixon accused Perry of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence, and sexual assault in a $260million lawsuit that was filed in Los Angeles. Perry immediately denied the allegations.
Rodriguez learned about Dixon’s lawsuit and was inspired to bring his claim against Perry. The pair broke off contact in 2019, but allegedly Perry periodically reached out to Rodriguez after the fact.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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