Tyler Perry is facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed by aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween. Rodriguez alleges that Perry sexually assaulted him and made unwanted sexual advances over multiple years, while promising roles in his projects. He is seeking $77 million in damages.

Allegations Against Perry

According to the lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE:

• In 2015, Rodriguez claims a trainer approached him at a Los Angeles gym, saying Perry wanted to meet him.
• Perry allegedly offered Rodriguez a minor role in Madea Halloween, which he later played as “Frat Guy #10.”
• The complaint alleges Perry invited Rodriguez to his home multiple times under the pretense of discussing future work projects, during which sexual advances allegedly occurred.
• Rodriguez claims in November 2018, Perry “grabbed [his] penis,” despite repeated objections, and gave him $5,000 afterward.
• The lawsuit states a final encounter occurred in April 2019, and that Perry allegedly continued contacting Rodriguez through 2024.

Rodriguez posted an Instagram video on December 13, 2025, saying he stayed silent for years out of fear and shame but felt compelled to speak out to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

“I stayed quiet for much too long. I just wanna say sorry for that, whoever that may be. It could’ve stopped with me if I’d spoken up sooner… But I’m speaking up now,” Rodriguez said.

Tyler Perry’s Response

Perry, 56, has denied all allegations. His attorney, Alex Spiro, called the lawsuit “yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.” Perry previously faced similar claims from actor Derek Dixon, who is represented by the same lawyer as Rodriguez.

In June 2025, Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation, which Perry’s team denies.

“Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,” Perry’s lawyer previously stated regarding Dixon’s case.

Context

This new lawsuit highlights ongoing allegations against Perry spanning nearly a decade, though Perry has consistently denied wrongdoing. Rodriguez’s legal action follows a growing wave of claims by aspiring actors against high-profile filmmakers in Hollywood.