Tyler Perry is facing a $77 million lawsuit amid new sexual assault allegations from actor Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry’s “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” The lawsuit, filed Thursday in California, also names Lionsgate Films.
According to court documents obtained by DreamBiz Entertain, Rodriguez alleges that Perry, 56, made sexual advances toward him in 2018. The actor claims the alleged incident occurred after Perry invited him to dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills to discuss a potential role in his series, “The Oval.” Rodriguez says Perry later took him to his home, where he allegedly attempted to unbuckle his pants and touched Rodriguez inappropriately.
The documents state that Perry made sexual noises and pressed his body against Rodriguez, who eventually freed himself. Rodriguez claims Perry apologized and gave him $5,000. He also alleges another incident in 2019, where Perry allegedly tried to coerce him with similar advances, again giving him $5,000 after Rodriguez refused.
The lawsuit claims Lionsgate was “aware” of Perry’s alleged behavior but “continues to provide funding” for his films, ignoring potential risks to actors.
Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the allegations, telling Page Six, “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.”
This latest claim comes months after actor Derek Dixon filed a separate $260 million lawsuit accusing Perry of sexual assault. Dixon, who worked on “The Oval,” alleged that Perry made sexual advances toward him in 2020, including inappropriate messages and unwanted physical contact. Dixon claimed he feared losing his role if he refused Perry’s advances and is seeking damages for workplace sexual harassment, sexual assault, and battery.
Perry’s team previously dismissed Dixon’s lawsuit as a “scam.” With these new allegations, the Hollywood mogul faces increasing scrutiny over his professional conduct.
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