Tyler Perry Sued for Sh77 Million Over Sexual Assault Claims

Hollywood filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is facing a Sh77 million (USD 77 million) sexual assault lawsuit filed on Christmas Day, with his lawyer strongly dismissing the case as a “failed money grab.”

The lawsuit was filed in a Los Angeles court by Mario Rodriguez, an actor and model who appeared in the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, which was distributed by Lionsgate. Rodriguez claims Perry sexually assaulted him and used his power in the film industry to manipulate him.

Tyler Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, quickly rejected the allegations, saying the same lawyer representing Rodriguez had earlier filed a similar case against Perry that did not succeed.

“This is another attempt to demand money from events that allegedly happened more than a decade ago,” Spiro said, adding that the lawsuit would also fail.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

In the court documents, Rodriguez claims the alleged assault happened during meetings linked to film roles and career opportunities. He accuses Perry of making unwanted sexual advances and engaging in inappropriate physical contact.

The lawsuit includes screenshots of alleged text messages, which Rodriguez says show suggestive conversations and promises of career support. One incident described in the filing claims Perry touched him inappropriately during a private meeting at Perry’s home.

Rodriguez further alleges that Perry later gave him $5,000, which he says made him uncomfortable and confused about Perry’s intentions.

Rodriguez says the experience caused him emotional distress, PTSD, and financial harm. He argues that Perry continued to use his influence to pressure him for years, up until 2024.

The lawsuit also names Lionsgate, accusing the film studio of failing to protect actors and enforce moral conduct rules, despite what the complaint claims were past allegations against Perry.

Lionsgate has not publicly commented on the case so far.

Similar Case Still Ongoing

This lawsuit comes as Perry is already facing another major sexual assault case filed earlier in 2025 by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s TV series The Oval. That case is still ongoing and has moved through both California and federal courts before landing in Georgia, where Perry is based.

Despite claims from Perry’s legal team that the earlier case had collapsed, court records show it is still active and has not been dismissed.