Tyler Perry has been sued for sexual battery by an actor who appeared in “Boo! A Madea Halloween” and accuses the entertainment mogul of multiple instances of assault across several years at his Los Angeles home.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit was filed on Thursday, December 18. In the suit, Mario Rodriguez reportedly claims that Perry subjected him to unwanted advances, including one occasion in 2018 in which the filmmaker “tightly hugged” him and grabbed his private parts.
In a statement, Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Perry, 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,” Spiro told The Hollywood Reporter.
Rodriguez brings claims for sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He also filed a claim against Lionsgate for turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct. He seeks at least $77 million.
On Monday, December 29, TMZ released text messages allegedly from Rodriguez to Perry over the summer where he asks Perry for money so that he could seek medical attention.
In the texts, which were posted on TMZ.com, Rodriguez says he knows he promised not to ask Perry for anything. However, he goes on to say that he doesn’t have any insurance – and he is worried about getting sepsis and dying like his father.