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Mario Rodriguez sent Tyler Perry text messages of gratitude and friendship years after the alleged sexual assault he described in his $77 million lawsuit. The texts show that Perry and the ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween cast member stayed in touch for years after Rodriguez claimed their interactions ended. This year, a few months before suing, the actor texted TP about his health and money problems.
RELATED: Tyler Perry sued for $77 million as actor in ‘Boo!’ A Madea Halloween alleges sexual assault
What do the texts between Mario Rodriguez and Tyler Perry say?
Last week, Mario Rodriguez sued Tyler Perry in California, alleging that the filmmaker assaulted him during multiple encounters between 2014 and 2019. The lawsuit states that Rodriguez cut off contact with Perry in 2019. It also claims that Tyler Perry would contact him periodically after that.
However, screenshots of text messages obtained by Associated Press Sunday night show another POV. Rodriguez made contact with Tyler Perry as recently as Thanksgiving 2024 and again on August 31, 2025. In these text messages, the actor allegedly expressed gratitude, friendship and financial distress.
In a message sent last Thanksgiving, Mario Rodriguez thanked Tyler Perry for helping him through difficult times in his life. He wrote that he liked it “towards the moon” according to the screenshots. In another series of messages dated August 31, Rodriguez described ongoing health problems. He allegedly said he didn’t have health insurance and told Perry he was scared and having financial difficulties.
AP obtained the text messages from a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The source, according to AP, was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Tyler’s lawyer doubles down on financial fraud theory
Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spirodisputed Mario Rodriguez’s allegations.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” Spiro said in a statement. “This is nothing more than a $77 million scam.”
Rodriguez’s lawsuit seeks at least $77 million in damages. He accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Perry has denied the allegations. Spiro’s initial response to Mario’s lawsuit pointed out that the same lawyer is involved in both sexual assault lawsuits filed this year.
“Having recently failed in another case against Mr. Perry, the same lawyer has now made a new request dating back over a decade, which will also constitute a failed money grab,” Spiro told Variety.
Mario has the same lawyer as Perry’s other accuser
Rodriguez’s lawsuit follows a separate case filed in June by actor Derek Dixon. Dixon alleged that Perry groped him while he was working on Perry’s television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That lawsuit was originally filed in a California state court and then moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based. Perry also denied Dixon’s allegations.
AP contacted Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshadseeking comment on text messages, but did not receive a response. Attorney Delshad also represents Derek Dixon.
RELATED: Tylil James accuses Jourdin Pauline of blackmail with consent images following her sexual assault allegations (VIDEOS)
Associated Press Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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