Summary (tl;dr)

Actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, alleging years of unwanted sexual advances and assault, making it the second such lawsuit against Perry this year after a similar filing by actor Derek Dixon.

Essential Background

Filmmaker Tyler Perry has been previously accused of sexual misconduct. Earlier in 2025, actor Derek Dixon filed a separate lawsuit against Perry, alleging sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation during their work on Perry's TV productions "The Oval" and "Ruthless". Dixon's lawsuit, initially filed in California, has since been moved to federal court in Georgia.

The Full Story

Actor and model Mario Rodriguez, who had a minor role in Tyler Perry's 2016 film "Boo! A Madea Halloween," filed a $77 million lawsuit against Perry on December 25, 2025, in a California state court, alleging sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Rodriguez claims that Perry made unwanted sexual advances and committed acts of sexual assault multiple times over several years, starting as early as 2014 when he was approached about an acting opportunity for "Boo! A Madea Halloween". The lawsuit details instances where Perry allegedly made sexual advances at his Los Angeles home, including touching Rodriguez inappropriately and offering him money after some encounters. Rodriguez's decision to come forward was reportedly influenced by hearing about Derek Dixon's earlier lawsuit against Perry. Lionsgate, the distributor of "Boo! A Madea Halloween," is also named in Rodriguez's lawsuit, accused of allegedly ignoring Perry's behavior. Perry's attorney, Alex Spiro, has denied the allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as a "failed money grab".

Why It Matters

This second high-profile lawsuit against Tyler Perry for alleged sexual misconduct intensifies scrutiny on the prominent filmmaker and the entertainment industry's handling of such accusations. The allegations by both Mario Rodriguez and Derek Dixon, represented by the same attorney, raise concerns about the potential abuse of power dynamics in Hollywood. The inclusion of Lionsgate in Rodriguez's lawsuit also highlights questions about corporate accountability when allegations of misconduct arise involving individuals associated with their projects.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (alleged sexual assaults at Tyler Perry's home, initial contact at Equinox gym, lawsuit filed in state court)
• Georgia, United States (relocation of Derek Dixon's lawsuit to federal court)