Second actor files sexual assault suit against Tyler Perry
Actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in the 2016 film "Boo! A Madea Halloween," has filed a civil suit in California accusing filmmaker Tyler Perry of repeated sexual assault and battery over several years at Perry's Los Angeles home and seeking at least $77 million in damages, while also suing distributor Lionsgate for allegedly ignoring misconduct. The complaint details alleged incidents from 2014 through 2019 in which Perry allegedly groped Rodriguez, tried to unbuckle his pants and placed Rodriguez's hand on his genitals, often followed by $5,000 payments, and says Rodriguez came forward after learning of a separate June lawsuit by actor Derek Dixon over similar claims. Perry's attorney Alex Spiro denied the new allegations as a "failed money grab," and Lionsgate has not yet commented.
📌 Key Facts
- Mario Rodriguez filed a lawsuit Thursday in California accusing Tyler Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress and seeking at least $77 million in damages.
- Rodriguez alleges multiple incidents between roughly 2014 and 2019 at Perry's Los Angeles home, including claims that Perry tried to unbuckle his pants, placed Rodriguez's hand on his genitals, and then gave him $5,000 on several occasions.
- Rodriguez also sued Lionsgate, which distributed "Boo! A Madea Halloween," alleging it turned a blind eye to Perry's alleged conduct, while Perry's lawyer Alex Spiro called the case another "failed money grab" by the same attorney who brought a similar June suit from actor Derek Dixon.
📊 Relevant Data
In the entertainment industry, 22% of males reported experiencing unwanted sexual attention in the past 12 months, compared to 42% of females, according to a 2020 Hollywood Commission survey.
The Hollywood Survey Report #4: Sexual Harassment and Assault — Hollywood Commission
10% of males in the entertainment industry have experienced sexual assault in the workplace at some point, compared to 20% of females.
The Hollywood Survey Report #4: Sexual Harassment and Assault — Hollywood Commission
Hispanic males in Hollywood reported 24% unwanted sexual attention in the past 12 months, compared to 16% for Black males and 22% for White males.
The Hollywood Survey Report #4: Sexual Harassment and Assault — Hollywood Commission
The average sexual harassment settlement in California is approximately $53,000, with court cases averaging $217,000, though high-profile cases can exceed $5 million.
Average Sexual Harassment Settlement in California (2025 Update) — LawLinq
Black directors accounted for 3.5% of film directors in 2022, compared to Blacks comprising 13.4% of the U.S. population.
Progress? What progress? Inclusion in Hollywood is limited and lacking — USC Annenberg