Summary (tl;dr)

Actor Mario Rodriguez has filed a $77 million sexual assault lawsuit against filmmaker Tyler Perry, marking the second such accusation against Perry this year, following a similar lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon.

Essential Background

Tyler Perry, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry known for his extensive work in film and television, was previously sued earlier in 2025 by actor Derek Dixon. Dixon's lawsuit, seeking $260 million, also alleged sexual harassment and assault by Perry. Both Mario Rodriguez and Derek Dixon are represented by the same attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad.

The Full Story

Mario Rodriguez, who appeared in Perry's 2016 film "Boo! A Madea Halloween," filed a lawsuit in a California state court on Thursday, December 26, 2025, accusing Tyler Perry of multiple instances of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit alleges that Perry made unwanted sexual advances and engaged in inappropriate physical contact with Rodriguez over several years, beginning in 2014 during discussions about potential acting roles. Rodriguez claims these alleged incidents occurred at Perry's Los Angeles home and that Perry offered him $5,000 after some of the encounters. The complaint also names Lionsgate, the distributor of "Boo! A Madea Halloween," accusing the studio of allegedly being aware of Perry's misconduct and failing to act. In response, Perry's lawyer, Alex Spiro, has vehemently denied the allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as "yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab," and referencing the previous lawsuit filed by Derek Dixon. Delshad, the attorney for both Rodriguez and Dixon, stated that Dixon's claims "are alive and well" and were moved to a different court in Georgia.

Why It Matters

The lawsuit brought by Mario Rodriguez is significant as it marks the second sexual assault accusation against Tyler Perry this year, suggesting a potential pattern of behavior that could severely impact Perry's career and public image. The allegations, and the substantial damages sought, highlight serious concerns about power dynamics and alleged misconduct within the entertainment industry. The inclusion of Lionsgate in the lawsuit also raises questions about corporate accountability when allegations of misconduct involve prominent figures associated with their projects.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Mario Rodriguez's lawsuit filed; alleged sexual assaults at Tyler Perry's home; initial contact at an Equinox gym)
• Georgia, United States (Derek Dixon's lawsuit relocated to federal court)