Tyler Perry Faces Second Sexual Battery Lawsuit From Madea Film Actor

Tyler Perry is facing a new sexual battery lawsuit. Actor Mario Rodriguez filed the suit on Thursday. Rodriguez appeared in the 2016 film “Boo! A Madea Halloween.”

The complaint alleges multiple incidents of unwanted sexual advances. Perry has firmly denied all allegations through his legal team. The case seeks substantial financial damages from Perry and Lionsgate.

Allegations Detail Years of Unwanted Advances

According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, the alleged misconduct spans several years. Rodriguez claims the first incident occurred in 2016. He states Perry touched his leg near his penis during a meeting.

The lawsuit describes another alleged event in 2018. Rodriguez says Perry grabbed him in a tight hug. He also alleges Perry grabbed his penis during this encounter.

A third incident is alleged for April 2019. The actor claims Perry took his hand and placed it on Perry’s own penis. Rodriguez states he left the situation upset and went home.

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the lawsuit. He called it a failed money grab by the same lawyer behind a previous claim. Spiro suggested the allegations are not credible.

Legal Battle Follows Previous High-Profile Accusation

This is the second such lawsuit against Perry in recent months. Another actor, Derek Dixon, filed a $260 million lawsuit in June. Dixon made similar accusations of sexual assault and harassment.

That case was originally filed in California. It has since been moved to federal court in Georgia. Perry’s legal team also denied Dixon’s claims as a scam.

Rodriguez’s lawyer, Jonathan Delshad, expressed confidence. He said his client looks forward to his day in court. Delshad hopes a jury award will make Perry regret his actions.

The lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages. It names both Tyler Perry and Lionsgate as defendants. Lionsgate distributed the “Madea Halloween” film.

This new Tyler Perry sexual battery lawsuit adds to a growing list of serious allegations against the filmmaker. The legal process will now determine the validity of these claims. The outcome could significantly impact Perry’s career and public legacy.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is Tyler Perry being accused of?

Mario Rodriguez accuses Tyler Perry of sexual battery and harassment. The lawsuit details several alleged incidents from 2016 to 2019. These include unwanted touching and explicit propositions.

Q2: How much money is the plaintiff seeking?

The lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages. Both Tyler Perry and Lionsgate are named as defendants. The amount is based on alleged harm and suffering.

Q3: Has anyone else sued Tyler Perry recently?

Yes. Actor Derek Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit in June 2024. He made similar accusations of sexual assault and workplace misconduct. Perry’s team denied those claims as well.

Q4: How has Tyler Perry responded?

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a strong denial. He characterized the lawsuit as a money grab. Spiro referenced a previous failed claim by the same lawyer.

Q5: What film did the plaintiff appear in?

Mario Rodriguez had a small role in “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” The 2016 film was distributed by Lionsgate. Rodriguez claims Perry offered him the role after meeting him.

Q6: Where was the lawsuit filed?

The lawsuit was filed in court on Thursday. Specific jurisdictional details are in the legal documents. The case will proceed through the standard legal process.