Overview
- Screenshots reported by multiple outlets show Mario Rodriguez contacting Tyler Perry on Thanksgiving 2024 and Aug. 31, 2025 to express gratitude and describe health and financial struggles, and Rodriguez says cordial or vulnerable messages do not invalidate his allegations.
- Perry’s attorney Alex Spiro called the lawsuit “nothing but a $77 million money grab scam,” pointing to the texts as undercutting the claims.
- Rodriguez filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on Dec. 25 seeking $77 million for sexual assault, sexual battery and emotional distress, and he also names Lionsgate, alleging the distributor knew of misconduct and failed to act.
- The filing describes alleged encounters from 2014 to 2019 at Perry’s Los Angeles home, including unwanted touching and promises of help with career and finances, and claims Perry paid $5,000 after some incidents.
- The case follows a separate $260 million lawsuit filed in June by actor Derek Dixon with the same attorney, which was moved to federal court in Georgia, and Perry has denied all allegations in both cases.