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A trail of text messages is casting new light on a lawsuit accusing filmmaker Tyler Perry of sexual assault, revealing that Perry and actor Mario Rodriguez stayed in touch long after Rodriguez says their relationship ended.

Rodriguez, who appeared in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” filed suit last week in California, alleging Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters spanning 2014 to 2019. The complaint states Rodriguez cut off contact in 2019, though Perry occasionally reached out afterward. But screenshots obtained by The Associated Press late Sunday show Rodriguez initiating contact as recently as Thanksgiving 2024 and again on Aug. 31, 2025, with messages marked by gratitude, familiarity and pleas amid financial strain.

The messages, like footprints in wet cement, appear to linger well beyond the timeline laid out in the complaint.

Allegations and Damages Sought

Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages, accusing Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also names Lionsgate, the studio that distributed the 2016 film, alleging it failed to act despite warning signs tied to Perry’s alleged conduct.

Perry has denied all allegations.

“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab,” said Alex Spiro, an attorney for Perry, in a statement Friday provided to CBS News. Spiro reiterated to the AP: “This is nothing but a $77 million money grab scam.”

Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Messages Show Gratitude and Distress

One exchange dated Thanksgiving 2024 shows Rodriguez thanking Perry for helping him through difficult chapters of his life, telling him he appreciated him “to the moon,” according to the screenshots. In another thread from Aug. 31, 2025, Rodriguez detailed ongoing health problems, said he lacked insurance, and described fear and financial hardship.

The messages were shared with the AP by a person close to the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a lack of authorization to discuss the situation publicly. The AP generally does not identify people who allege sexual abuse unless they choose to come forward, as Rodriguez has done.

Related Lawsuit Adds Context

The filing follows a separate case brought in June by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges Perry groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That case began in California state court before moving to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based. Perry has also denied Dixon’s claims.

AP contacted Rodriguez’s attorney, Jonathan Delshad — who also represents Dixon — seeking comment on the text messages but did not receive a response.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the newly surfaced messages add layers to a case already dense with allegations, denials and competing narratives — a legal drama where the past and present collide, line by line, on a phone screen.