Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor in ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’
Plaintiff Mario Rodriguez seeks at least $77 million in damages, marking the second such lawsuit against the filmmaker in recent months.
LOS ANGELES — Film and television mogul Tyler Perry has been sued for sexual assault by an actor who appeared in his 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in California. The complaint alleges Perry leveraged his power in Hollywood to subject Mario Rodriguez to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years.
This is the second lawsuit in recent months to accuse Perry of sexual misconduct. The plaintiff, Mario Rodriguez, is seeking at least $77 million in damages for claims including sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also names Lionsgate, the distributor of the film, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to the alleged behavior.
In a statement, a lawyer for Tyler Perry denied the allegations. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Details of the Allegations
According to the complaint, Rodriguez was first contacted in 2014 after a trainer at a Los Angeles Equinox gym said Perry wanted his number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged him to audition for “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” allegedly telling Rodriguez, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”
After Rodriguez was cast, he was invited to Perry’s Los Angeles home, where the lawsuit claims Perry touched him inappropriately while they watched a movie. The complaint describes additional alleged incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019. These include an encounter where Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and another where he allegedly placed Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals. The lawsuit states Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions following these encounters.
Rodriguez claims he resisted the advances and decided to come forward after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon.
Broader Legal Context
Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging the filmmaker groped him while he worked on Perry’s TV series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That lawsuit was initially filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and has reportedly been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.
The new lawsuit from Rodriguez further intensifies the legal scrutiny on one of Hollywood’s most prolific creators. Both cases portray Perry as using his industry influence to make unwanted sexual advances.
The claims are civil in nature and have not been proven in court. The cases are ongoing.
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