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New Texts Surface as $77 Million Lawsuit Accuses Tyler Perry of Sexual Assault

Freshly published messages between Mario Rodriguez and Perry are now central to the dispute over credibility.

Overview

  • Model and actor Mario Rodriguez filed a Los Angeles lawsuit seeking $77 million, alleging sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and naming Lionsgate for negligent retention.
  • The complaint details alleged incidents from 2015 to 2019, including groping at Perry’s Los Angeles home and two occasions when Rodriguez says he was given $5,000 after unwanted contact.
  • Screenshots provided to news outlets show Rodriguez texting Perry on Thanksgiving 2024 and Aug. 31, 2025, expressing gratitude and describing financial and health struggles, including lacking insurance.
  • Rodriguez says cordial or help‑seeking messages do not disprove abuse, arguing they reflect the power dynamics survivors navigate after alleged misconduct.
  • Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro denies the claims and calls the case a money grab, as a separate June suit from actor Derek Dixon alleging similar behavior continues in federal court in Georgia.