Actor Mario Rodriguez Sues Tyler Perry Over Alleged Sexual Assaults

Model and actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry and Lionsgate Films in California, accusing Perry of unwanted sexual advances and groping without consent stemming from encounters after filming Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Rodriguez claims the trouble began in 2015 when a gym trainer told him Perry wanted to meet. Perry allegedly called that day, mentioning a potential movie role despite Rodriguez admitting he had no acting experience. Perry reportedly replied, “You know, Mario, I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” then invited him to his home.

There, after drinking in the kitchen, they moved to a home theater where Rodriguez alleges Perry rubbed his shoulders and chest while moaning sexually. Rodriguez left soon after. He says their only other interactions during production were professional on set, with no inappropriate behavior.

Post-filming, Rodriguez claims Perry repeatedly invited him over to discuss future projects but asked graphic sexual questions. In 2018, expecting career talk, Rodriguez says Perry asked if he enjoyed receiving oral sex, then reached into his underwear and grabbed his penis. Perry allegedly gave him $5,000 afterward while apologizing.

On another occasion, Rodriguez alleges Perry grabbed his hand and forced it onto Perry’s penis, then handed over another $5,000 when he tried to leave.

Rodriguez seeks damages for sexual assault, sexual battery, and emotional distress, including at least $77 million in punitive damages.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, called it a “failed money grab” from “more than a decade ago,” noting the same lawyer recently lost a similar case against Perry. That suit came from The Oval actor Derek Dixon, who accused Perry of years of harassment, including groping his bare butt in Perry’s guest house. Perry has denied those claims too.