Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween,’ is the second actor to sue Tyler Perry. Rodriguez, like the previous plaintiff, is alleging the filmmaker and studio mogul used his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances. The actor filed the lawsuit on Thursday (Dec. 25) in California.
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What Is Mario Rodriguez Claiming In His Lawsuit?
Rodriguez claims Tyler Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years. One of said incidents was allegedly sexual battery and assault at Perry’s Los Angeles home. Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking at least $77 million in damages.
According to the complaint, Mario Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles. The trainer allegedly said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween,’ telling him, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” the lawsuit claims.
After Rodriguez got his role in the Madea film, he was invited to Tyler Perry’s home. While there, Perry allegedly touched Mario inappropriately while they watched a movie. The lawsuit describes additional alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019. During one encounter, Tyler Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and during another the filmmaker placed Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals The complaint says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions following the encounters.
Mario is also suing Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 film. Rodriguez is accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct. Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, according to the Associated Press.
Tyler Perry’s Lawyer Shuts Down Mario Rodriguez’s Allegations
In a statement to Variety, Tyler Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, denied the 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.”
Mario Says Seeing Derek Dixon’s Lawsuit Inspired Him To Come Forward
Additionally, Mario Rodriguez says he resisted Tyler Perry’s advances. Ultimately, he decided to sue Perry after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon. Dixon sued Tyler Perry in June. He alleged the filmmaker groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s television series ‘The Oval’ and ‘Ruthless.’ That lawsuit was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. However, it has reportedly since been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.
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Associated Press Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
