How is Tyler Perry responding to sexual battery allegations? Mogul issues statement through lawyer

Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry's Finding Joy Atlanta screening - Source: Getty

Popular American actor and filmmaker, Tyler Perry, known for his portrayal of Madea, is making news headlines after an aspiring actor sued him for $77 million, alleging sexual assault. Perry is being sued by an actor, Mario Rodriguez, who landed a minor role in the filmmaker’s 2016 movie, Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Mario alleges that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him and made untoward sexual advances in promise of giving him roles. The upcoming actor is seeking $77 million in damages. He is being represented by Jonathan J. Delshad, who was the attorney of Derek Dixon in a similar case against Perry in early 2025.

Tyler 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.”

More details on Tyler Perry’s sexual assault case

Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Tyler Perry on Thursday in a California state court. He claimed that the Beauty in Black creator had assaulted him on multiple occasions in the latter’s Los Angeles home, spanning several years. Mario isn't the first to sue the actor for sexual assault. In June this year, another actor, Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s The Oval and Ruthless, sued him for the same reason.

According to the lawsuit, Mario decided to sue after learning of Dixon’s lawsuit against the actor. Apparently, he realized that:

“Mr. Perry was continuing to use his power and influence to sexually assault hopeful actors and, with the voice of others, decided that it was time to tell his story, to obtain justice, and to finally stop Mr. Perry.”

Rodriguez is claiming sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He also filed a claim against Lionsgate and seeks at least $77 million.

He mentioned instances of when Perry reportedly assaulted him, adding that Perry would invite him to his home on multiple occasions to discuss future work projects and would make sexual advances while they drank.

“Mr. Perry reached into Mr. Rodriguez’s underwear and grabbed his penis. Mr. Perry was making sexual moaning noises and saying, ‘Stay here, stay here,’ while he pressed his body against Mr. Rodriguez and continued to grab his penis,” the filings stated.

Mario recently spoke about the ordeal, wishing he had spoken up sooner.

“Because if I had spoken up sooner, I could've saved somebody from what this probably happened to after me. I just wanna say sorry for that, whoever that may be. It could've stopped with me if I had said something. But I'm speaking up now.”

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Edited by Onuh Eunice