Mario Rodriguez is an actor and a model who has featured in the Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016) film. He is currently in the spotlight following a lawsuit he filed against filmmaker Tyler Perry. Rodriguez alleges sexual assault and battery over a series of years. The lawsuit was filed in California state court on December 25, 2025.Mario Rodriguez is suing Perry and Lionsgate for at least $77 million in damages. He claims that the studio did nothing about the alleged misconduct, even though it was aware of it. Perry has denied the allegations through his lawyer.The case has drawn attention as it is the second lawsuit this year alleging sexual assault against Perry. The assertions made by Rodriguez have become part of an ongoing legal and popular debate regarding power, consent, and accountability.Mario Rodriguez's early life and backgroundMario Rodriguez was born in Montclair, California. He grew up in Pomona and has Puerto Rican and Mexican-American heritage. He has spoken about his upbringing in Southern California and how he was engaged in sports from a young age. Rodriguez initially pursued Division I football.His ambitions changed when he became a father. He decided to pursue his work full-time rather than continue in college athletics, which marked a turning point in his career. Rodriguez has since been involved in other fields after leaving football.He ventured into nightlife hosting and modeling. He worked as a host at Heat Ultra Lounge in Los Angeles. During this time, he began featuring in photo shoots and was covered in the Los Angeles Times, which increased his visibility.Read More: Which The Cure albums feature Perry Bamonte? Keyboardist's contributions reviewed following his death at 65Acting career and connection to Tyler Perryshe_dreadzme @She_DreadzMeLINKIncoming : Another Tyler Perry Lawsuit Same story as the previous accuser 🤷🏽‍♀️ This actor was in the Madea : Boo movie. Suing for $77M : Mario RodriguezMario Rodriguez entered acting after gaining attention through his modeling work. He began auditioning and secured a part in Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016), which starred Tyler Perry as Madea.According to a CBS report dated December 26, 2025, Rodriguez alleges that he was first introduced to Perry in 2014 through a gym instructor at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. Perry is reported to have discussed acting opportunities with him and encouraged Rodriguez to audition for the film.Rodriguez alleges that he was later invited to Perry’s house, where Perry made unwanted advances. The lawsuit alleges incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019, including inappropriate touching, attempts to undo his pants, and being forced to touch Perry. Perry has denied all allegations.Read More: ⁠How far along were Sarah and Carlo when she miscarried? Influencer couple expecting their first baby following heartbreaking incidentDetails of the lawsuit and current statusAccording to CBS, on December 26, 2025, Mario Rodriguez alleged that Perry offered payments of up to $5,000 in connection with the alleged incidents. Rodriguez states he felt pressured due to Perry’s influence in the industry and feared harming his career if he refused.Consequently, Mario Rodriguez made the decision to file the lawsuit after learning about similar allegations by actor Derek Dixon in 2025. Dixon also filed a separate lawsuit against Perry, alleging misconduct on the sets of The Oval and Ruthless. Dixon’s case is under federal court in Georgia.Alex Spiro, Perry’s attorney, described Rodriguez’s lawsuit as a “failed money grab.” He noted that the allegations are about a decade old and that he also represented Dixon. As of now, Lionsgate has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.Read More: What was the cause of death of Perry Bamonte? Details emerge as The Cure's guitarist dies at 6