Tyler Perry is up against yet another significant legal obstacle. Mario Rodriguez, a model and aspiring actor, gave Perry an unsolicited lawsuit alleging wrongdoing and continuous sexual assault. $77 million in damages is sought in the lawsuit, which was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
This is the second instance of Perry being sued in 2025. Actor Derek Dixon, who sued Perry earlier this year, is represented by the same attorney as Rodriguez. Power abuse, unwelcome sexual advances, and professional retribution are all alleged in these incidents.
Rodriguez says that in 2015, a gym trainer introduced him to Perry. Following that introduction, Perry received inquiries and eventually landed a minor part in the 2016 movie “Boo! A Madea Halloween” as “Frat Guy #10.” The lawsuit claims that Perry invited Rodriguez over while pretending to talk about projects. Perry allegedly made unwanted physical contact with the actor, including caressing his inner thigh, grasping his genitalia, and attempting to take off his pants.
Rodriguez claims that in exchange for sexual favors, Perry offered him financial support and job chances. Perry allegedly offered him $5,000 in cash as an “apology” following some of the alleged instances. The actor claims that by 2019, he had severed all contact after rejecting the approaches. After learning of similar allegations earlier in 2025, he decided to come forward.
Perry is not the end of the litigation. Additionally, Rodriguez cites “Boo! A Madea Halloween” distributor Lionsgate as a defendant. He says the business failed to protect him and disregarded indications of wrongdoing. Lionsgate is accused in the lawsuit of condoning Perry’s actions by failing to probe the complaints or offer safety measures on set. This raises more general concerns about Hollywood’s responsibility.
Attorney Jonathan Delshad represents both Rodriguez and Dixon. He possesses text messages and other documents as proof. Despite their differences, the cases’ similarities point to a possible pattern. According to Delshad, his clients want to expose abuse in the entertainment sector and seek justice.
The lawsuit was rejected by Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, who described it as a “failed money grab.” He pointed out that the accusations are based on things that happened almost ten years ago. In both instances, Perry has refuted every allegation. In the past, he called the allegations fraudulent and driven by money. No decisions have been taken, and the cases are still in their early phases.
