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Tyler Perry Sued by 'Madea Halloween' Actor Over Sexual Assault, $77 Million Sought

Perry's lawyer rejects the California filing as a money grab.

Overview

  • Mario Rodriguez filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on Dec. 25 seeking at least $77 million and naming Lionsgate for allegedly turning a blind eye.
  • The lawsuit alleges repeated unwanted advances at Perry’s Los Angeles home between 2015 and 2019, including a 2018 incident in which Perry grabbed his genitals and later gave him $5,000.
  • Rodriguez describes additional encounters in 2016 and 2019 and says Perry continued to contact him through 2024, which he frames as part of a coercive pattern.
  • Rodriguez is represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who cites alleged text messages; Delshad also represents Derek Dixon, whose separate June case was moved to federal court in Georgia.
  • This is the second recent civil allegation against Perry, who disputes the claims and has not been charged with a crime, and Lionsgate did not immediately respond to requests for comment in several reports.