LOS ANGELES, December 28— Actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a $77 million lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry and Lionsgate, alleging sexual assault over a period of years. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in California, represents the second such major legal claim against Perry in recent months.
Who is the Accuser and What Are the Allegations?
Mario Rodriguez, an actor who appeared in Perry’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” claims in court documents that Perry sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions. Rodriguez alleges that after a 2018 dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills to discuss a role, Perry invited him to his home, where Perry “tightly hugged” him, reached into his underwear, and touched his genitals while making sexual noises. Rodriguez claims he freed himself, after which Perry apologized and gave him $5,000.
What Other Incidents Does the Lawsuit Describe?
The court filing details a second alleged incident in 2019, where Perry allegedly grabbed Rodriguez’s hand and placed it on his own groin, stating, “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.” Rodriguez says he declined, and Perry gave him another $5,000. The lawsuit also claims film distributor Lionsgate is “aware” of Perry’s alleged behavior and continues to fund his projects in “reckless disregard” for actor safety.
How Has Tyler Perry Responded?
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the lawsuit in a statement to Page Six, calling it “yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.” Spiro noted the same lawyer, Jonathan Delshad, recently failed in another matter against Perry.
Is There Another Lawsuit Against Perry?
Yes. This new filing follows a $260 million lawsuit filed months earlier by actor Derek Dixon, who worked on Perry’s series “The Oval.” Dixon alleges Perry made sexual advances in January 2020, including getting into bed and touching his thighs after Dixon was inebriated. Perry’s attorney at the time, Matthew Boyd, called Dixon’s suit a “scam” with “fabricated claims.”
FAQs:
Q: What is Tyler Perry being sued for?
A: Actor Mario Rodriguez is suing Tyler Perry and Lionsgate for $77 million, alleging sexual assault in incidents dating to 2018 and 2019.
Q: How has Tyler Perry responded to the lawsuit?
A: Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has dismissed the suit as a “failed money grab” by a lawyer who recently lost another case against Perry.
Q: Is this the first such lawsuit against Tyler Perry?
A: No. This is the second major suit; actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million sexual assault lawsuit against Perry earlier this year.
Q: What does the lawsuit allege about Lionsgate?
A: It claims Lionsgate is aware of Perry’s alleged inappropriate behavior and continues to fund his projects without intervention.
