A Hollywood actor, Mario Rodriguez, on Thursday, December 25, sued filmmaker Tyler Perry for $77 million over sexual assault allegations.
Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s 2016 movie Boo! A Madea Halloween, in the complaint filed in Los Angeles superior court, claims the filmmaker assaulted him on multiple occasions over several years at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
The lawsuit cites incidents ranging from unwanted sexual advances to physical assault, with Rodriguez suing for sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the complaint, Perry made unwanted sexual advances toward Rodriguez, including a 2015 encounter in a home screening room where Perry rubbed his inner thigh, and a 2018 incident where Perry grabbed his penis during a tight hug.
Rodriguez stated that although their direct contact ended in 2019, Perry continued to reach out periodically thereafter.
Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages from Perry and has also named Lionsgate in the suit, stating that the distributor ignored Perry’s conduct.
Rodriguez said he filed the suit to hold Perry accountable, seek justice, and prevent further misconduct toward aspiring actors.
Alex Spiro, Perry’s attorney, dismissed the claims as a failed money grab, noting that the same lawyer behind this suit recently filed a similar claim on behalf of actor Derek Dixon.
Dixon is currently seeking $260 million over separate allegations of assault and harassment.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad, maintains that text messages between the parties bolster the claims and looks forward to holding Perry accountable in court.
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