Tyler Perry lawsuit: Tyler Perry, actor, director, and producer of a billion-dollar media empire, has found himself in the crosshairs of another sexual assault accusation. Aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez has filed for damages and accused Perry of multiple instances of assault in a $77 million lawsuit. Moving the California state court, Mario claimed that he was touched inappropriately by the entertainment mogul in 2018.
This marks one of the two accusations Perry faced this year after Derek Dixon filed a civil suit in June. Dixon alleged a ‘sustained pattern of workplace sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation’ by Perry on the sets of ‘The Oval’. Additionally, Rodriguez also made a claim against Lionsgate, the distributor of ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’.
Who is Tyler Perry?
Initially, Emmitt Perry, Tyler was born in 1969 in New Orleans. Facing a tough childhood, he faced physical abuse as a child. Changing his name from Emmitt to Tyler was his attempt to distance himself from the trauma. Taking up theatre, his major breakthrough came with the Christian-themed play ‘I Know I’ve Been Changed’ at the Atlanta theatre. He went on to create ‘Mabel Madea Simmons’, which soon became a blueprint for a billion-dollar franchise, for both film and stage.
Tyler Perry went on to build Tyler Perry Studios, the first fully-owned production house by a black filmmaker. Since then, he has produced hit TV shows like the ‘House of Payne’ and ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ alongside films such as ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’.
Amid the troubled waters of 2025, Tyler Perry was named in a sexual quid pro quo harassment lawsuit. Dixon, an actor on ‘The Oval, ‘ claimed that he needed to maintain a close relationship with Perry, even after the alleged incident. While the accusations were bluntly denied, it kept Perry in the spotlight in 2023.
Rodriguez’s case against Perry
According to the lawsuit filed by Mario Rodriguez, a gym trainer in Los Angeles approached him for his phone number, as Perry wanted to discuss an upcoming project. Reportedly, the billionaire actor called him and advised Rodrigues to audition for a role in ‘Boo’. The Hollywood Reporter quoted the complaint which read, “You know, Mario, I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” Perry told Rodriguez.
After he had auditioned for the role and accepted it, Rodriguez was invited to Perry’s LA home. There was an alleged involvement of alcohol before he stepped into his theatre room to watch a movie. It was there when Perry reported touched him and made sexual advances at him. The complaint claimed that Rodriguez excused himself for the restroom, but Perry continued to insist on his actions. Reportedly, Peery said, “Man, if you would just come, I would take care of you for the rest of your life, and you wouldn’t have to worry about anything.” He added, “I know you’ll come around.”
Another similar incident was also mentioned in the lawsuit, where Perry invited Rodriguez to another dinner in 2018, to discuss a role in ‘The Oval’. There, the producer reportedly hugged him tightly. Upon freeing himself with force, Rodriguez was allegedly given $5000.