Mario Rodriguez's sexual assault lawsuit against actor and film executive Tyler Perry recently saw new updates after alleged text messages that purportedly show him acting "polite" and "grateful" to Perry surfaced.Mario, who sued Tyler on Thursday in a California state court on the claims that the Beauty in Black creator assaulted him on multiple occasions in the latter’s Los Angeles home, addressed the newly surfaced text messages. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostOn Monday, Mario Rodriguez released a statement claiming that it was normal to stay cordial with someone who has so much influence over you.“I want to briefly respond to what’s being said about me right now. People are pointing to messages where I was polite, grateful, or vulnerable, and trying to use that to discredit me.”He continued:“When someone has influence over your career, your income, your future, you don’t feel free. Survivors often stay cordial. They often ask for help when they feel desperate.”He emphasized that the abuse happened and the text messages were sent when he was vulnerable financially.“That does not mean abuse didn’t happen. Those text messages were sent to Perry at a time when I was especially vulnerable, as can be seen from the context. Continued financial support and access are not inconsistent with abuse—they are often part of the power dynamics that follow it.”More details on the Tyler Perry and Mario Rodriguez's lawsuitMario Rodriguez filed a $77 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry on Christmas Day. The actor who was featured in Perry’s movie Boo! A Madea Halloween is accusing Tyler of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostTyler Perry is denying all the allegations. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:“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.”Shortly after the case was filed, a series of text messages surfaced on the internet, presenting Mario as someone friendly to the Beauty in Black creator.One of the alleged messages read:“Just know that I love you and I thank you for everything. I appreciate you to the moon. You got my Mexican ass out of a lot of bad places and I just wanna tell you thank you.”Rodriguez allegedly followed up with two more text messages expressing his appreciation for Tyler Perry. Another alleged text said:“I can’t buy you anything, but I just wanna tell you that your boy right here appreciates you more than anything. Straight from my heart bro nothing I wouldn’t do for you man anyways enjoy your time and I hope I see you again soon.”Also read: What is Cynthia Rowley’s net worth? Bachelor’s Kit Keenan’s mom's fortune explored as she denies fashion designer helped buy apartment