New Delhi: Hollywood powerhouse Tyler Perry faces explosive allegations from actor Mario Rodriguez, who claims repeated unwanted advances at Perry’s LA home. This bombshell lawsuit, filed just before Christmas, demands massive damages and drags in Lionsgate, too.
Inspired by another actor’s claims, Rodriguez says Perry abused his power after casting him in a Madea film. Will Perry’s empire crumble under these steamy accusations?
Tyler Perry allegations
Mario Rodriguez got his big break in 2014 at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. A trainer told him Perry wanted his phone number for an acting role, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in California. Perry then pushed Rodriguez to audition for “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” saying, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” the complaint states. Rodriguez landed a small part as a frat guy in the 2016 Lionsgate film.
Chilling alleged incidents
After casting, Perry invited Rodriguez to his Los Angeles home, where he allegedly touched him inappropriately while watching a movie. The suit details more shocking claims in 2016, 2018, and 2019, including Perry trying to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and placing Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals. Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 multiple times after these encounters, the lawsuit alleges. Rodriguez says he resisted but stayed silent until now.
Lionsgate in the crosshairs
Rodriguez sues Lionsgate, too, accusing the studio of ignoring Perry’s misconduct despite knowing about it. He seeks at least $77 million for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Lionsgate has not commented yet, as per reports. This marks the second such suit against Perry in months.
Echoes of prior claims
Rodriguez decided to sue after learning of actor Derek Dixon’s June lawsuit. Dixon, who worked on Perry’s shows “The Oval” and “Ruthless,” alleges groping and harassment. That case moved from the Los Angeles court to the federal court in Georgia, Perry’s studio base. Perry’s lawyer denied Rodriguez’s claims in a statement, calling them false.