Tyler Perry Accuser Says Mogul Wants Questions About His Sexuality Off Limits In $77 Million Assault Lawsuit

Tyler Perry’s ongoing legal battle just took another dramatic turn after his male sexual assault accuser claimed the entertainment mogul is trying to place limits on what can be asked during a deposition.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Mario Rodriguez is asking the court to sanction Perry, alleging the filmmaker has failed to sit for a deposition despite efforts to schedule one dating back to April. Rodriguez claims Perry’s legal team indicated he would only participate if there was an agreement that he would not be questioned about whether he is, or has ever been, sexually attracted to men.

Rodriguez argues the topic is relevant to the case, especially given claims that other men have previously accused Perry of inappropriate conduct. Perry’s legal team strongly disagrees, arguing that questions about his sexual orientation are irrelevant and are being used to create a media spectacle rather than address the actual claims in the lawsuit.

Attorney Alex Spiro, who represents Perry, pushed back hard against the allegations. In a statement to TMZ, Spiro said Perry never refused to appear for a deposition and never refused any line of questioning. He called the lawsuit a “shakedown” and described the latest motion as frivolous, adding that Perry’s team intends to seek sanctions of its own.

The legal dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Rodriguez seeking $77 million in damages. In the complaint, Rodriguez claims he first met Perry at a gym in 2015 and later landed a role in the film Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Rodriguez alleges that Perry sexually assaulted him during multiple encounters, including one incident in 2018 at Perry’s home. He claims Perry made sexual advances, grabbed him without consent, and later apologized while giving him money. Rodriguez also alleges another encounter involved unwanted sexual contact and an additional payment.

Perry has denied all allegations. His legal team argues Rodriguez continued communicating with him long after the alleged incidents and frequently requested financial assistance. Perry’s attorneys have also pointed to alleged text messages in which Rodriguez reportedly asked for money and thanked Perry for helping him financially.

With both sides accusing each other of bad-faith tactics, the case continues to intensify as it moves through the courts.