Another actor files lawsuit against Tyler Perry for sexual assault, demanding million in damages.

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and actor, is facing a significant legal challenge as he has been sued for million in a sexual assault case. The lawsuit was filed by Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared as Frat Guy #10 in Perry’s 2016 film, “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” This marks the second lawsuit in recent months aimed at Perry, with the allegations highlighting a troubling pattern of misconduct that some claim has affected young actors seeking opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Rodriguez submitted his complaint on December 25, 2023, in a California court. He alleges that Perry subjected him to a series of unwanted sexual advances, including incidents of sexual battery and assault at Perry’s residence in Los Angeles. Also named in the lawsuit is Lionsgate Films, the distributor of “A Madea Halloween.” The lawsuit contends that Lionsgate was aware of Perry’s alleged inappropriate behavior but chose to ignore it.

In response to the allegations, Perry’s legal representative, Alex Spiro, characterized the lawsuit as a frivolous attempt to profit from the director’s fame, claiming it is merely a misguided endeavor that is likely to fail. Perry, now 56, has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.

The lawsuit outlines that Rodriguez first met Perry through a personal trainer at a gym in Los Angeles, who allegedly stated that Perry wished to discuss a potential acting role with him. Subsequently, Rodriguez claims he received a phone call from Perry inviting him to a meeting where Perry expressed that it would be beneficial for the actor to have him in his corner.

Following his casting in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” Rodriguez states he was invited to Perry’s home for drinks and to watch a movie. However, the visit reportedly escalated to inappropriate behavior, with Perry allegedly touching Rodriguez in a sexual manner, which prompted Rodriguez to leave the residence shortly thereafter.

Although Rodriguez asserts that Perry maintained a professional demeanor during the filming of the movie, he alleges that this professionalism waned after production ended. The lawsuit describes multiple incidents between 2016 and 2019, wherein Rodriguez claims such interactions became increasingly sexual in nature, including one occasion where Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and another where he forced Rodriguez’s hand onto his genitals.

Furthermore, Rodriguez states that following these incidents, Perry would give him sums of ,000 while apologizing for his actions. Rodriguez decided to pursue legal action after becoming aware of similar allegations from fellow actor Derek Dixon, who had filed a 0 million lawsuit against Perry in June for sexual harassment and professional retaliation.

Dixon’s claims highlight a troubling environment within Perry’s productions, as he alleged that he faced harassment after declining to engage with Perry’s further advances. This previous lawsuit, originally filed in Los Angeles, has since been transferred to a federal court in Georgia where Perry’s studio is located.

As this legal situation unfolds, it raises important questions about power dynamics and the treatment of aspiring actors within the entertainment industry, further igniting conversations about accountability in Hollywood.

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