Tyler Perry hit with another sexual assault lawsuit by actor
- - Tyler Perry hit with another sexual assault lawsuit by actor
Anna Kaufman, USA TODAYDecember 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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Tyler Perry is facing another allegation of sexual assault after an aspiring actor accused the movie mogul of unwanted sexual advances in a lawsuit filed Christmas Day in California.
The suit, filed Dec. 25 on behalf of Mario Rodriguez, alleges the filmmaker assaulted him and promised him roles. Rodriguez, a model who scored a small role in Perry's "Boo! A Madea Halloween," is demanding $77 million in damages.
Rodriguez's lawyer is Jonathan J. Delshad, the same attorney who represented Derek Dixon, another actor who accused Perry of sexual misconduct earlier this year.
"Mr. Rodriguez is looking forward to his day in court and holding Mr. Perry accountable for his actions. We do hope a jury award enough money to make Perry regret his actions," Delshad wrote in a statement to USA TODAY. "Unfortunately, statements like those made by Perry’s attorneys do nothing but enable Mr. Perry to continue to victimize people like Mr. Rodriguez. My client looks forward to a jury's determination of what happened."
Tyler Perry accused of sexual harassment by 'The Oval' actor Derek Dixon, seeking $260M
In a statement to USA TODAY, Perry's lawyer, Alex Spiro, wrote, "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." (Dixon's lawsuit, which was originally filed in California state court, has been moved to federal court in Georgia.)
In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges he was approached at a Los Angeles gym in 2015 by a trainer who said that Perry wanted to meet him. After a phone conversation, Perry offered Rodriguez the role of "Frat Guy #10" in "Boo! A Madea Halloween," the lawsuit says. It goes on to allege that in several instances over the ensuing years, Perry would invite Rodriguez to dinner or to his home to discuss future projects, only to make unwanted advances while under the influence of alcohol.
"Perry uses his power … to abuse and sexually assault people who hope to secure roles in his movies," lawyers for Rodrigues wrote. "Perry's 'type' are those who have been victims of childhood traumas in the past."
While Rodriguez alleges he resisted Perry's physical advances, the lawsuit claims the filmmaker said: "If you would just give in to me, I would take care of you … You would never have to worry about anything again."
The actor claims that in one instance in November 2018, Perry grabbed his genitalia and he had to struggle to get free. Rodriguez alleges that the filmmaker later apologized and offered him $5,000 dollars.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Tyler Perry attends the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala Presented By Paul Mitchell at Pacific Design Center on November 08, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
Rodriguez's lawsuit comes six months after Dixon levied claims against the Hollywood titan. In a case filed June 13, the actor, who starred in Perry's "The Oval," is alleging quid pro quo sexual harassment, work environment harassment, sexual assault and battery, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Dixon is seeking $260 million due to allegedly being targeted by Perry, who he said sought "a coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic with Mr. Dixon."
Perry's lawyer denied the allegations in a statement shared with USA TODAY at the time.
"This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam," said attorney Matthew Boyd. "But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail."
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyler Perry hit with another sexual assault lawsuit by actor
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