Another Lawsuit Hits Tyler Perry 😳 Aspiring Actor Claims Sexual Assault — Perry’s Team Calls It a $77M “Money Grab

Tyler Perry is once again in the headlines after an aspiring actor filed a new sexual assault lawsuit against the entertainment mogul — allegations his legal team is strongly denying.

Mario Rodriguez, a model who appeared as “Frat Guy #10” in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, has filed a lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual assault, unwanted advances, and using promises of acting roles as leverage. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages.

The lawsuit, obtained by PEOPLE, alleges that Rodriguez was first introduced to Perry in 2015 after being approached by a trainer at a Los Angeles gym who claimed Perry wanted to meet him. According to the filing, Perry later contacted Rodriguez directly and offered him a small role in the Madea film.

Rodriguez claims that after the role, Perry repeatedly invited him to his home under the pretense of discussing future projects. The lawsuit alleges that during these visits, Perry made unwanted sexual advances while drinking. One incident described in the complaint claims that in November 2018, Perry allegedly grabbed Rodriguez’s genitals despite being told to stop, forcing Rodriguez to physically struggle to get away.

The lawsuit further alleges Perry made statements suggesting compliance would be rewarded with career support, including, “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you.” Rodriguez claims that after two alleged encounters, Perry apologized and gave him $5,000 before sending him away.

A final alleged incident in April 2019 is described as the most alarming, with Rodriguez claiming Perry acted without regard for consent. The suit also alleges Perry continued contacting Rodriguez through 2024 and reached out again after learning about the lawsuit, expressing feelings of betrayal and reminding him of past help.

Rodriguez is represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who also represents Derek Dixon — another actor who filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry earlier this year, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. Perry has denied Dixon’s claims as well.

Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro dismissed the new lawsuit in a statement on December 26, calling it a “failed money grab” and noting the allegations date back more than a decade. Another Perry attorney previously labeled Dixon’s claims as an attempted scam and said the filmmaker “will not be shaken down.”

Rodriguez addressed his decision to come forward in a December 13 Instagram video, telling followers he felt “scared and ashamed” for years and apologizing for not speaking out sooner. While he did not name Perry directly in the video, he referenced a powerful and widely known director.

Both lawsuits remain ongoing, and Perry has denied all allegations. As the cases move through the courts, they continue to spark intense debate about power, accountability, and the entertainment industry.