Tyler Perry Sued for $77 Million as Madea Movie Actor Alleges Assault

Mario Rodriguezwho appeared in ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ is the second actor to sue Tyler Perry. Rodriguez, like the previous plaintiff, alleges that the filmmaker and studio mogul used his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances. The actor filed a complaint Thursday, December 25 in California.

RELATED: Tyler Perry’s Accuser Derek Dixon Details Alleged Sexual Assault in First Interview Amid $260 Million Lawsuit (VIDEO)

What does Mario Rodriguez claim in his lawsuit?

Rodriguez claims Tyler Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years. One of the incidents mentioned was an alleged sexual assault and assault at Perry’s home in Los Angeles. Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes allegations of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages.

According to the complaint, Mario Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. The coach reportedly said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry then encouraged Rodriguez to audition for “Boo! » A Madea Halloween, telling him, “I’m not a bad person to know and have on your side,” the lawsuit claims.

After Rodriguez got his role in the movie Madea, he was invited to Tyler Perry’s house. There, Perry allegedly touched Mario inappropriately while they were watching a movie. The lawsuit describes other alleged incidents that occurred in 2016, 2018 and 2019. During one encounter, Tyler Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and during another, the filmmaker placed Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals. The complaint says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions after the meetings.

Mario is also suing Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 film. Rodriguez accuses the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, according to Associated Press.

Tyler Perry’s Lawyer Shuts Down Mario Rodriguez Allegations

In a statement to VarietyTyler Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, has denied the allegations.

“Having recently failed in another case against Mr. Perry, the same lawyer has now made a new request from over a decade ago that will also be a failed cash grab.”

Mario says seeing Derek Dixon’s trial inspired him to come forward

Additionally, Mario Rodriguez claims to have resisted Tyler Perry’s advances. Ultimately, he decided to sue Perry after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Tyler Perry in June. He alleged the filmmaker groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s TV series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” This lawsuit was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. However, the case has since reportedly been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.

RELATED: Tyler Perry donates $1.4 million to organizations helping families under SNAP as Supreme Court suspends order for benefits to be fully funded

Associated Press Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.