One actor is suing Tyler Perry for alleged sexual assault
Tyler Perry has some pretty serious sexual assault allegations from an actor who was employed on one of his movies. Mario Rodriguez, who performed in Boo! A Madea Halloween, argues that Perry sexually assaulted him and made unwanted advances.
The model and actor also says that the director promised him roles and financial support in exchange for physical access. Rodriguez seeks $77 million in damages from this suit. Needless to say, social media was trying to get to the bottom of the timeline as more details began to hit the Internet.
Perry’s representation, Alex Spiro, critiqued the lawsuit on the basis that attorney Jonathan J. Delshad brought forth both cases. In a statement this weekend, Spirro argued that this was a “money grab.” In the text obtained by People, the attorney did not hold back.
Spiro’s statement reads, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.”
Tyler Perry sued for $77 million for alleged sexual assault
Rodriguez is well aware of the perception of this case. But, he thinks it’s important to speak out for anyone else who may be out there. On Instagram, the actor Have posted a video talking about coming forward against a “powerful” director with some real name recognition in Hollywood. His lawsuit alleges that “when Perry became aware that Rodriguez was going to file this action, Perry once again reached out to Rodriguez by text,” in 2024.
“I stayed quiet for much too long. And I just want to say I’m really sorry, man,” Rodriguez explained. “Because if I would’ve spoken up sooner I could’ve saved somebody that this probably happened to after me. I just wanna say sorry for that, whoever that may be. It could’ve stopped with me if I would’ve said something. … But I’m speaking up now.”
Previous cases against the director
Tyler Perry’s previous lawsuit involved actor Derek Dixon. He sued the entertainment magnate for over $260,000,000 earlier this year. A complaint filed in a Los Angeles court back in June alleges a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic” between the filmmaker and Dixon. The actor previously starred in The Oval and Ruthless. Other details in that suit include claims of stifling creative opportunities, and possibly assault and battery.
The complaint reads, “Mr. Perry made it clear to Dixon that if Dixon ignored Perry or failed to engage with the sexual innuendos, Dixon’s character would ‘die’ in the next season. Indeed, Dixon’s character ‘Dale’ was shot four times in the chest at the end of his first season on ‘The Oval,’ and Perry always held this over Mr. Dixon’s head, implying that ‘Dale’ would survive if Dixon kept Perry ‘happy.'”
(featured image: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
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