Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed by actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween. The complaint, filed in California state court, marks the second high-profile civil case this year alleging Perry used his industry power to make unwanted sexual advances.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit claims that Perry repeatedly subjected him to unwanted physical contact and sexual advances over several years, sometimes in contexts described as discussions about acting opportunities. According to the complaint, some alleged incidents took place at Perry’s Los Angeles home, and included inappropriate touching and propositions — some occurring as early as 2014 and continuing through 2019. The actor is seeking at least $77 million in damages, citing sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit also names Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, accusing the studio of failing to act despite knowledge of Perry’s behavior. Rodriguez’s legal team argues that Perry used his status and influence to “leverage” career opportunities as a pretext for inappropriate conduct.
Rodriguez has publicly discussed the emotional toll of coming forward, saying he “regrets not speaking out sooner” but felt compelled after learning of a separate lawsuit filed earlier this year by actor Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging sexual harassment, assault and retaliation tied to his work on Perry’s television series such as The Oval and Ruthless, and is seeking $260 million in that case.
Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, with attorney Alex Spiro calling the lawsuit a “failed money grab” and asserting the claims are unfounded. Lionsgate has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
The emergence of multiple lawsuits this year has drawn significant attention, raising broader questions about power dynamics and accountability in Hollywood. Neither case has gone to trial, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the civil complaints.
