Tyler Perry Faces $77 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Mario Rodriguez
Tyler Perry is facing a second sexual assault lawsuit seeking $77 million, filed by Mario Rodriguez. Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances, including sexual touching, at Perry's Los Angeles home during incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019.
The complaint states that Perry invited Rodriguez to his home after they met at an Equinox gym in 2014 and later encouraged him to audition for the film Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016). One alleged incident involved Perry touching Rodriguez's legs and rubbing his inner thigh near his penis. Rodriguez claims Perry pressured him to stay, offering to take care of him for the rest of his life.
The lawsuit contends that Perry used his influence in the entertainment industry to create a coercive and sexually exploitative dynamic and asserts that Lionsgate ignored the misconduct. This is the second lawsuit against Perry in recent months; an earlier suit was filed by Derek Dixon with similar allegations related to Perry's abuse of power.
Perry's attorney, Alex Spiro, denies the allegations, describing the case as a money grab. Spiro also notes that the other plaintiff's lawyer, Jonathan Delshad, disputes this characterization, with Delshad stating that Dixon's claims remain active after moving to Georgia.
Tyler Perry's net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, built on the success of the Madea franchise and Tyler Perry Studios.
