Tyler Perry Faces Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Co-Star from ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’

Tyler Perry Faces Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Actor from "Boo! A Madea Halloween"

Tyler Perry has been sued by Mario Rodriguez, an actor from the film Boo! A Madea Halloween, alleging multiple instances of sexual battery spanning several years. The lawsuit, filed in California state court, accuses Perry of unwanted sexual advances beginning in 2014 at Perry’s Los Angeles home.

Rodriguez claims that Perry first contacted him through a gym trainer at Equinox, urging him to audition for a role in Boo! A Madea Halloween. After securing the role, Rodriguez alleges Perry invited him to his home, where inappropriate touching occurred. Perry reportedly rubbed Rodriguez’s inner thigh and made repeated sexual comments, which Rodriguez resisted.

According to the complaint, after filming wrapped in 2016, Perry continued to make advances by grabbing Rodriguez’s leg near his groin. The lawsuit details an incident in 2018 at Perry’s home where the filmmaker tight-hugged Rodriguez, tried to unbuckle his pants, and then sexually assaulted him by grabbing his genitals. Perry allegedly made explicit remarks while pressing his body against Rodriguez.

Rodriguez reports that following this assault, Perry apologized and gave him $5,000. Another alleged incident in 2019 involved Perry placing Rodriguez’s hand on his own genitals and promising to take care of him if he complied, according to the complaint. Rodriguez refused and received another $5,000 from Perry.

The actor seeks at least $77 million in damages, claiming sexual assault, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and holding Lionsgate accountable for ignoring Perry’s alleged misconduct. Lionsgate distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween.

Rodriguez says he was motivated to file the lawsuit after learning about Derek Dixon’s similar claims against Perry. Dixon, an actor from The Oval and Ruthless, previously accused Perry of groping him and has moved his case to federal court in Georgia. Both lawsuits suggest a pattern of Perry using his Hollywood influence to exploit aspiring male actors.

Tyler Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, denied the allegations as baseless. Spiro called the lawsuit “another demand from more than a decade ago” and predicted it would fail, labeling it a “money grab.” Spiro also referenced a previous legal matter that was unsuccessful against Perry.

This second lawsuit against Tyler Perry highlights growing concerns about power dynamics and sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. The case remains active in California state court with ongoing legal review.