Tyler Perry Faces $77 Million Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Claims

Tyler Perry has been named in a new lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, with actor Mario Rodriguez seeking $77 million in damages. Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleges that Perry groped him and made unwanted sexual advances during their interactions.

Rodriguez filed the lawsuit in California on December 26, 2025. According to the complaint, he claims that Perry approached him in 2015 at a gym in Los Angeles, leading to a phone conversation that resulted in Rodriguez being cast in a minor role in the film, credited as “Frat Guy #10.” Following this initial contact, Rodriguez asserts that Perry invited him to his home multiple times to discuss potential work projects, during which he claims Perry behaved inappropriately.

Perry, 56, has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as a “money grab.” His attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized Rodriguez’s claims, stating that they arise from an attempt to revive a failed lawsuit against Perry from the past. In a statement, Spiro said, “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.”

Rodriguez’s legal representative, Jonathan J. Delshad, who also represented actor Derek Dixon in a separate lawsuit against Perry, countered that Dixon’s claims remain valid and have simply been moved to a different court. Dixon accused Perry of escalating sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation when he rejected Perry’s advances.

In the lawsuit, Rodriguez recounts incidents in which Perry allegedly made unwelcome advances while drinking, including touching his shoulders and making sexual noises. A specific incident in November 2018 is cited, where Rodriguez claims Perry “grabbed [his] penis” despite Rodriguez’s explicit requests for him to stop. Rodriguez states he had to “physically struggle to get away” from Perry, who allegedly told him to “let it happen” and offered to “take care of” him if he complied.

The lawsuit further claims that after these incidents, Perry apologized and provided Rodriguez with a monetary settlement of $5,000 before dismissing him. Rodriguez asserts that he ceased communication with Perry in April 2019, feeling that Perry believed he could act without consequences. He also alleges that Perry continued to reach out to him until 2024, expressing feelings of betrayal after Rodriguez’s decision to file a lawsuit.

In an Instagram video posted on December 13, Rodriguez hinted at his experiences with a “very big director,” emphasizing the fear that kept him silent for years. He expressed regret for not speaking out sooner, hoping to warn others about the situation.

Tyler Perry has built a successful career in Hollywood, transitioning from stage plays to major films and establishing Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, which is now one of the largest film studios in the United States. His projects have included both popular films and television series, solidifying his status in the entertainment industry.

As this lawsuit unfolds, it will be closely monitored for its implications within the broader context of Hollywood’s ongoing discussions about sexual misconduct and accountability.