Actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry has reportedly been hit with a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit. A man has claimed that Perry used his Hollywood influence and position to make repeated unwanted sexual advances towards him. This is the second time in recent months that the 56-year-old has been accused of assault.
Tyler Perry faces another sexual assault case
According to reports, Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry has been accused by Mario Rodriguez of multiple unwanted sexual advances. In a lawsuit filed in California, the person alleged numerous instances of sexual assault. It also included one where Perry allegedly “tightly hugged” him and “grabbed his p*nis.”
According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez claimed he was approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym, who said the actor-filmmaker wanted his number for a possible role. Perry later encouraged the person to audition for a role in Boo! A Madea Halloween (via The Guardian).
“I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” Perry reportedly told Rodriguez. The lawsuit further alleged incidents from 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Alex Spiro, Tyler Perry’s attorney, has denied the claims against the billionaire. Spiro said, “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” about the lawsuit to The Hollywood Reporter.
Furthermore, Mario Rodriguez also called out Lionsgate, which distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, of turning a blind eye to the claims.
This, however, is not the first complaint against Tyler Perry. On June 13, 2025, Derek Dixon, an actor in some of Perry’s productions, like The Oval, filed a lawsuit accusing him of numerous acts of sexual assault and sexual battery spanning years.
Dixon alleged that Perry had “been using his power and influence to molest, abuse, and sexually assault impressionable and vulnerable employees and actors who look to him for guidance and mentorship while pursuing their dreams.”
Meanwhile, Mario Rodriguez claimed in the lawsuit that he decided to sue Tyler Perry after learning of Derek Dixon’s claims.
