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Case Intel

• A second actor has sued Tyler Perry in California state court, alleging sexual assault and battery spanning several years at Perry’s Los Angeles home.
• The complaint seeks at least $77 million and names Lionsgate for allegedly turning a blind eye to misconduct tied to Boo! A Madea Halloween.
• Perry’s counsel has categorically denied the allegations, calling the suit a “failed money grab.”

The Allegations at Issue

According to a civil complaint filed Thursday in California state court, actor and model Mario Rodriguez alleges that Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances beginning after Rodriguez was cast in Boo! A Madea Halloween. The lawsuit asserts multiple incidents between 2014 and 2019, including allegations of groping, sexual battery, and coercive statements tied to promises of career advancement.

Rodriguez claims he was first contacted through a gym trainer at Equinox in Los Angeles, who allegedly said Perry wanted his number to discuss an acting role. After auditioning and accepting a role in Boo! A Madea Halloween, Rodriguez alleges he was invited to Perry’s Los Angeles home, where Perry allegedly touched him without consent while suggesting he could “take care of” him financially and professionally.

The complaint further alleges that after filming concluded, Perry continued to contact Rodriguez about potential future projects, including discussions at Perry’s home and a dinner meeting at Mastro’s Steakhouse related to The Oval. One alleged 2018 encounter describes Perry “tightly hugging” Rodriguez, attempting to unbuckle his pants, and grabbing his genitals. Rodriguez claims Perry later apologized and gave him $5,000.

Another alleged incident in 2019 describes Perry placing Rodriguez’s hand on Perry’s genitals and again offering financial security in exchange for a relationship, followed by an additional $5,000 payment after Rodriguez declined.

Pattern Allegations and Prior Lawsuit

This filing is the second lawsuit accusing Perry of using his power in the entertainment industry to sexually assault aspiring male actors. In June, actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in The Oval and Ruthless, filed a separate lawsuit alleging Perry pinned him against a wall and groped him. Dixon’s case, initially filed in California state court, has since been removed to federal court in Georgia.

Rodriguez’s complaint states he decided to come forward after learning of Dixon’s allegations, asserting that Perry’s alleged conduct was ongoing and systemic rather than isolated.

Defense Response

Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a statement rejecting the claims, stating that the same lawyer representing Rodriguez previously failed in another matter against Perry and is now advancing what he characterized as a decade-old “money grab.” Perry has not otherwise commented publicly on the specific factual allegations.

Lionsgate, which distributed Boo! A Madea Halloween, is named as a defendant for allegedly ignoring warning signs,

Evidence, Records, and What Can Be Proven

• Civil Complaint— Sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims filed by Mario Rodriguez in California state court (filed Thursday; case number pending public confirmation).
• Counsel Statement— On-the-record denial from Alex Spiro, counsel for Tyler Perry, provided to The Hollywood Reporter.
• Related Litigation— Derek Dixon v. Tyler Perry (filed June 2025; removed to federal court in Georgia).
• Distribution Link— Boo! A Madea Halloween distributed by Lionsgate, named for alleged failure to act.

🛑 It should be noted that the assertions in the lawsuit are allegations only and have not been proven in a court of law.

What’s Next

• Responsive pleadings are expected from Perry and Lionsgate, likely including motions to dismiss or demurrers challenging timeliness and sufficiency of claims.
• Jurisdictional and statute-of-limitations issues will be central, given the alleged conduct dates back to 2014.
• The existence of multiple accusers may influence settlement posture, discovery scope, and insurance coverage considerations, particularly for claims implicating production and distribution entities.

Source:

• Civil Complaint filed by Mario Rodriguez (Los Angeles Superior Court, filed December 25, 2025)