Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual assault and abuse of power in a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, marking the latest in a series of legal challenges facing the Hollywood mogul.
The lawsuit was filed by actor and model Mario Rodriguez, who is seeking $77 million (approximately Sh9.9 billion) in damages. Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to sexual battery, unwanted physical advances, and emotional distress during encounters that allegedly occurred between 2015 and 2017.
Perry has denied the allegations, with his attorney describing the lawsuit as a “money grab.”
Claims of Abuse of Power in Hollywood
According to the complaint seen by The Star, Rodriguez alleges that Perry “uses his power to abuse and sexually assault people who hope to secure roles in his movies.” The lawsuit claims that Rodriguez was “one of his victims.”
Rodriguez, who began his modeling career in 2013, says he first encountered Perry in 2015 after being approached by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. The trainer allegedly told him that Perry was interested in meeting him.
The complaint states that Perry contacted Rodriguez the same day, saying he was working on Madea’s Halloween and suggesting Rodriguez would be a good fit for the role of a “very good-looking college student.”
During the call, Perry allegedly told him:
“You know Mario, I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.”
Rodriguez later secured the role, with Perry allegedly telling him:
“I told you you’d get it.”
Alleged Incident at Perry’s Los Angeles Home
The lawsuit alleges that during Rodriguez’s first solo visit to Perry’s Los Angeles home, the filmmaker asked deeply personal questions about his childhood and past trauma.
According to the filing, Rodriguez became emotional during the conversation, after which Perry allegedly told him:
“You have a lot of trauma in you,”
and
“Believe it or not, we have a lot in common.”
Rodriguez claims Perry then hugged him, saying, “It’s not your fault,” before allegedly rubbing his shoulders and chest. The complaint further alleges that Perry made sexual grunting sounds during the interaction.
Rodriguez says he froze.
“Rodriguez immediately became confused, and his body tensed up and froze,” the complaint states.
Perry allegedly told him repeatedly to “relax.”
The lawsuit claims Perry then sat next to him and rubbed his inner thigh, telling him, “It’s ok.”
Rodriguez says he excused himself to the restroom and later left the home, describing himself as confused and fearful that rejecting Perry could cost him his acting career.
Continued Alleged Advances and Financial Pressure
According to the lawsuit, Perry allegedly continued making sexual comments after filming Madea’s Halloween in 2016, telling Rodriguez:
“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,”
and
“I know you’ll come around.”
The complaint alleges that in 2017, Perry invited Rodriguez back to his home to discuss future roles. At the time, Rodriguez had shared that he was expecting a child and facing financial stress.
The lawsuit claims Perry told him:
“If you would just give in to me, I would take care of you,”
and
“You would never have to worry about anything again.”
Rodriguez also alleges Perry asked graphic sexual questions, including whether he had ever had sex with a man or fantasized about being with one. Rodriguez reportedly answered that he had not.
Alleged Emotional Manipulation
The lawsuit further alleges that Perry disclosed his own childhood trauma in an attempt to build trust.
“Perry told Rodriguez that he was himself sexually molested as a kid and that he had a lot of trauma and abandonment issues,” the complaint states.
Rodriguez claims these disclosures made him feel emotionally vulnerable and pressured to comply with Perry’s alleged advances.
Lions Gate Films Named as Co-Defendant
The lawsuit also names Lions Gate Films as a co-defendant. Rodriguez alleges that the studio had actual knowledge of unlawful conduct, had the ability to intervene, but failed to act.
The complaint claims Lionsgate benefited from Perry’s conduct and exercised control over production and working conditions during the period in question.
Legal Basis and Broader Context
Rodriguez brings the claims under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act (AB-2777). The law allows previously time-barred sexual assault claims to be revived when a cover-up is alleged.
Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan Delshad, the same attorney representing Derek Dixon, another actor who filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry in June over similar allegations.
Dixon’s case was initially filed in California but later moved to federal court in Georgia. Perry has denied all allegations in that lawsuit as well.
Tyler Perry Responds
In response to the latest lawsuit, Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly, dismissing the claims as a “money grab.”
Perry has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged criminally in relation to the allegations.
What Happens Next
The case is expected to proceed through the California court system, where Perry and Lionsgate will have the opportunity to formally respond. Legal experts say the outcome could hinge on corroborating evidence, witness testimony, and whether the court finds sufficient grounds under AB-2777.
As the matter remains before the courts, all allegations remain unproven, and Tyler Perry is presumed innocent.