Tyler Perry Says He Won’t Be ‘Bullied’ Into Multi-Million Dollar Settlement In $77M Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Tyler Perry is standing his ground in his ongoing legal battle with sexual assault accuser Mario Rodriguez, making it clear that he has no plans to settle under pressure.

According to newly filed court documents, Perry’s legal team claims Rodriguez is attempting to damage the filmmaker’s reputation and force him into a multi-million dollar settlement by filing motions related to Perry’s deposition.

The dispute reportedly stems from Rodriguez’s request to question Perry about his sexual orientation during a deposition. Rodriguez allegedly argued that Perry should be sanctioned for not previously sitting for questioning.

However, Perry says that claim is misleading, insisting he already agreed to participate in a deposition and has no issue answering questions.

In the filing, Perry reportedly rejects the idea that questions about his sexual orientation are relevant to the lawsuit, arguing that suggesting a man’s attraction to other men somehow makes him more likely to commit sexual assault is a “bigoted stereotype.”

Perry further alleges that after he declined a multi-million dollar settlement demand, Rodriguez filed the latest motion in an effort to increase public pressure on him.

The entertainment mogul claims the legal maneuvers are part of a campaign to bully him into settling the case — something he says will not happen.

Perry is now asking the court to sanction Rodriguez, reportedly seeking approximately $7,300 for what his legal team describes as an abuse of the discovery process.

The legal battle stems from Rodriguez’s $77 million lawsuit against Perry, in which he alleges the media mogul sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions.

According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez claims he first met Perry at a gym in 2015 and later received acting opportunities through their relationship. He alleges that over time, Perry invited him to his home, where inappropriate conduct allegedly occurred.

Rodriguez further claims Perry questioned him about sexual acts before allegedly touching him and later apologized, allegedly giving him $5,000 following one of the incidents.

Perry has vehemently denied all allegations.

His legal team argues that Rodriguez continued communicating with him for years after the alleged incidents and claims the accusations only surfaced after Perry allegedly stopped providing financial assistance.

The case remains ongoing.