Trigger Warning: The following article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Tyler Perry is facing a lawsuit after Boo! A Madea Halloween actor, Mario Rodriguez, accused him of sexual battery.
Rodriguez claimed that the filmmaker engaged in repeated acts of sexual misconduct over several years at his home in Los Angeles. He filed the complaint in California, alleging that Perry made unwanted sexual advances on several occasions. This includes an incident in 2018 in which Perry reportedly hugged him and touched his genitals.
However, Perry and his attorney, Alex Spiro, said that the claims were false. They said these accusations were baseless and likely motivated by money. He added that Rodriguez’s attorney was involved in another lawsuit against the director, and he was unsuccessful in proving any wrongdoing. They released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter saying, “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.“
The aforementioned failed lawsuit accused Perry of abusing his influence in the entertainment industry to take advantage of Derek Dixon, an up-and-coming actor, who worked on The Oval and Ruthless. He filed a suit alleging that Perry restrained and groped him.
Rodriguez is seeking damages for sexual assault, sexual battery, and emotional distress. He also names Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, claiming that the company turned a blind eye to Perry’s alleged behavior. The actor is demanding at least $77 million in damages.
According to the filing, Rodriguez was first linked to Perry in 2014 after a personal trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles told him that the filmmaker wanted his contact information to discuss a potential role. Perry later called him and encouraged him to audition for a part in Boo! A Madea Halloween. He added that being a part of his inner circle could be beneficial for the actor’s career.
After Rodriguez landed a minor role, he was invited to Perry’s home, where they had drinks and watched a movie. During that visit, Perry allegedly touched Rodriguez’s leg and moved his hand toward his groin. He says he tried to leave, but he continued making advances and implied that compliance would lead to a promising career in the film industry.
After production concluded in 2016, Perry allegedly contacted the actor again about other projects. During another trip to his home, Rodriguez claims Perry touched him inappropriately again. However, this time he said that he resisted his advances and left. Read the claims filed in the lawsuit below:
Mr. Perry reached into Mr. Rodriguez’s underwear and grabbed his penis. Mr. Perry was making sexual moaning noises and saying, ‘Stay here, stay here,’ while he pressed his body against Mr. Rodriguez and continued to grab his penis.
- Birthdate
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September 14, 1969
- Birthplace
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New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
