Tyler Perry is facing a massive new civil lawsuit in Los Angeles from Mario Rodriguez, an actor who had a small role in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween. Rodriguez accuses the filmmaker of repeated sexual assault over a period of years and is seeking at least $77 million in damages. The complaint details alleged encounters from 2014 through 2019, including incidents Rodriguez says unfolded at Perry's Los Angeles home. Rodriguez told his attorneys he decided to move forward after reading about similar allegations from actor Derek Dixon. The suit also names Lionsgate, the movie's distributor. Perry has denied the allegations.
What Rodriguez Says Happened
According to The Associated Press, the lawsuit states that Perry first reached out to Rodriguez in 2014 after a trainer at an Equinox gym passed along Rodriguez's phone number. Perry allegedly encouraged him to audition for the Madea film, then invited him to his home, where Rodriguez says Perry made unwanted physical contact.
The complaint outlines separate incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019. In one episode, Perry allegedly tried to unbuckle Rodriguez's pants. In another, Rodriguez says his hand was placed on Perry's genitals. The filing states that Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions following some of those encounters.
The Money, the Timeline and Social Media
Rodriguez is asking for at least $77 million in punitive damages. His attorneys say he chose to file after learning earlier this year about Derek Dixon's separate lawsuit, according to People. The outlet also reports that Rodriguez posted an Instagram video earlier this month describing feeling "scared and ashamed" about speaking publicly, although he did not mention Perry by name in the clip.
Rodriguez is represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who is also representing Dixon in his case.
Perry's Team Fires Back
Perry's legal camp has sharply rejected the allegations. Attorney Alex Spiro, who represents Perry, labeled the new complaint a "failed money grab" and said similar claims have already fallen flat in court, according to TheWrap. Lionsgate, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, has not released a public statement in response.
How It Ties Into the Derek Dixon Case
Derek Dixon filed a separate lawsuit in June alleging that Perry groped him while Dixon worked on the BET series The Oval and Ruthless. That case was moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry's studio is based, according to The Washington Post. Dixon is seeking up to $260 million in that suit, which has already sparked legal skirmishes over venue and jurisdiction.
Both the Dixon and Rodriguez matters are civil cases. Neither has led to criminal charges.
What the Lawsuit Is Arguing
Rodriguez's complaint brings claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It asks a jury to award both punitive and compensatory damages tied to those alleged acts, according to The Associated Press.
High-profile civil cases like this often trigger intense pretrial battles over discovery, including what documents, text messages and other records have to be turned over. They can also lead to lengthy negotiations or motions that play out long before a jury hears any testimony. Because civil and criminal courts operate under different standards, a verdict in this lawsuit would not automatically result in criminal penalties.
What Comes Next
Procedurally, the next moves will likely include formal responses from Perry and Lionsgate, early motions over where the case should be heard and initial rounds of document exchange in discovery. Rodriguez's legal team has said they have texts and other records that they believe support the allegations, according to reporting on the filing.
If the lawsuits proceed without an early resolution, expect months of filings, depositions and potential settlement talks before any trial date lands on the calendar. For now, the allegations in both cases remain just that: allegations in pending civil actions, awaiting further proceedings in court.
